The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) announced its support for judicial candidates ahead of the 2026 election cycle on Monday. Chris Isaacson, the AFA’s president and CEO, mentioned, “One of our core principles is backing the rule of law. Each of these judges has a solid history of promoting a fair and balanced legal system. We’re happy to support state judges who comprehend the direct effects on Alabama’s business landscape and understand their role in enhancing forestry and the rural economy here.”

The primary election for the 2026 cycle is slated for Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The next candidate was approved by AFA’s Forestpac.

Alabama Supreme Court

Mendim has served on the Supreme Court since 2018 and has prior experience as both a Circuit Court judge and a district judge. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from the Cumberland School of Law.

Shaw has been part of the Court of Criminal Appeals since 2001 and moved to the Supreme Court in 2009. He graduated from Cumberland Law School and later earned a Master of Law from Virginia State Legislature.

Civil Appeal Court

Fridi was elected to the Civil Appeal Court in 2021. Before this role, he was a member of the House from 2014 to 2020 and received his Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law.

Borden was just appointed to the Court of Civil Appeals. He previously worked as a circuit judge in Covington County and had experience as a probate judge there as well. He graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Criminal Appeal Court

Windom currently presides over the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, having been on the bench since 2008. She was formerly a US attorney assistant in the Southern District of Alabama and earned her law degree from the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner University.

Kellum has served on the Court of Criminal Appeals since 2009, with prior experience as a court staff lawyer beginning in 1997. She completed both her undergraduate studies and law degree at the University of Alabama.