By Eloise Smith, General Manager
DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — DeKalb County District Judge Steven Whitmire (D) has announced his intention to run for re-election in 2020 as a Republican. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens and families of DeKalb County as District and Juvenile Court Judge for the last 17 years. I hope the voters will allow me to continue contributing to our community in this capacity.” said Whitmire. Judge Whitmire was first elected, as a Democrat, in 2002, and re-elected, as a Democrat, in 2008 and 2014. He qualified with the state party, as a Republican on October 8, 2019.
Judge Whitmire currently presides over the DeKalb County Drug Court which is an alternative sentencing program for qualified individuals charged with drug offenses. “In Drug Court, we have a real opportunity to help folks regain control of their lives. One of the most inspiring parts of this job is being a part of that - seeing the commitment of our participants who successfully return to their families and communities as drug-free, productive citizens.” stated Whitmire.
Judge Whitmire was involved in establishing the DeKalb County Youth Service Center (D.Y.S.C.), a program serving children in the DeKalb County and Fort Payne City School Systems who are removed from school due to delinquency or behavioral problems. The students complete the same schoolwork while receiving psychiatric help, substance abuse treatment, and/or family counseling, tailored to each child’s individual needs. “Several years ago, the local school boards joined in creating a way to help our children here at home. Thanks to their support, and the hard work and motivation of Director Whitten and the Center’s staff, the D.Y.S.C. has been successful in helping the children and families of our County.”
Judge Whitmire, who grew up in Fyffe, is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama School of Law. He practiced law in Rainsville from his admission to the Alabama State Bar in 1998 until his election in 2002. He is an active member of the DeKalb County and Alabama State Bar Associations. Judge Whitmire and his wife Heather, a high school history teacher, have two children.
“I am blessed to be your District Judge and I sincerely thank you all for entrusting me with this position. This office provides a special opportunity to serve our community by reaching individual citizens, young and old, on a daily basis. That’s what I’ve tried to do, and what I will continue to do. I only ask for the opportunity to carry on serving you and our county as District Judge for as long as you will have me,” stated Whitmire.
