Qualifying started Tuesday and St. Clair County Commission Chairman Paul Manning didn’t waste any time. Manning is seeking the seat he has held since November 12, 2014. Manning is seeking his third consecutive term as Chairman of the St. Clair County Commission. 

“It has been an honor to serve this county and its citizens as Chairman of this County Commission,” Manning said in a press release. “In the past several years, we have experienced much growth – in the business, industry and in the residential areas. Every municipality and community in our county has experienced growth in some form or fashion. I know that the County Commission has worked very hard for the people of this county the past eight years. This Commission has worked as a team with no one member being more important than the other.”

Manning said because of that, they have also developed a good working relationship with the St. Clair County Economic Development Council and the mayors of each municipality. 

“We are headed and continue to head in the right direction to make this county one of the best in the state,” Manning said.

He noted the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“St. Clair County has thrived despite the concerns of this pandemic,” Manning said. “There has been so much work behind the scenes done by this commission and wonderful staff of the commission that got us through this.”

Ren Wheeler, chairman of the St. Clair County Republican Party, said those interested in running for local races on the Republican ticket must be a member of the St. Clair County Republican Party six months prior to qualifying.

Other county seats open to qualify for include St. Clair County Coroner, St. Clair County Sheriff, St. Clair County Commission District 1, Circuit Court Judge Place 1, St. Clair County District Attorney, St. Clair County School Superintendent, St. Clair County School Board Place 3 and Place 4.

State seats open to qualify for include Alabama Senate Districts 11 and 17 along with Alabama House Districts 30, 36, 45 and 50.

Qualifying ends Friday, January 28, 2022 at 5 p.m.