Qualifying for Alabama’s 2026 primary elections closed on Friday, January 23. With that deadline now behind us, voters deserve a clear look at who has put their name on the ballot and what that means for the offices they seek.

In Lee County, there has been a troubling development in the race for Revenue Commissioner that should not be brushed aside or treated lightly.

In each of Alabama’s 67 counties, the Revenue Commissioner or Tax Collector holds one of the most important and sensitive jobs in local government.

These officials are entrusted with collecting and distributing the tax dollars that keep our counties running in a responsible manner because that money pays for hospitals, public schools, city and county governments, volunteer fire departments, and the everyday services people count on in their lives.

In Lee County, the Revenue Commissioner collected and distributed more than $210 million in taxes, licenses, and fees during the last fiscal year, per the statutory requirements under Titles 32 and 40 of the Code of Alabama. That direct responsibility for safeguarding public funds and ensuring that they are handled lawfully and responsibly is paramount to the functions of the office.

Alabama law is clear about the seriousness of this office.

Title 40-5-3 of the Code of Alabama sets out the duties and qualifications required to serve as Revenue Commissioner, including the handling, bonding, and accountability standards expected of anyone entrusted with this role.

On Jan. 23, the final day of qualifying, an individual (who is not the incumbent) filed papers to run for Lee County Revenue Commissioner.

Public court records show this individual received a discharge from a Chapter 7 Federal Bankruptcy in the fourth quarter of 2025.

That fact alone raises serious and unavoidable questions. Based on the plain language and intent of Title 40-5-3, it is highly unlikely that someone emerging from a recent Chapter 7 bankruptcy would be able to meet the statutory requirements and practical responsibilities of the office if elected.

Because Bankruptcy Court proceedings are public record, the Lee County Republican Party should be tasked with the responsibility of carefully reviewing and scrutinizing the information and making a responsible decision regarding this individual’s ability to serve and fulfill the duties of the office if elected.

Kara Silvers is a resident of Auburn and works in the education field.