On Tuesday, businessman and former educator Scott Ortis announced he’s running for Alabama State Senate District 15, lighting up a Republican primary challenge against incumbent State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) in 2026.
Roberts was first elected in the 2018 cycle and faced a serious GOP primary challenge in 2022 against Dr. Brian Christine, who now serves in the Trump administration as an Assistant Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services.
SD15 includes portions of Jefferson and Shelby counties, as far north as Trussville and Leeds, and as far south as Chealsea, as well as parts of Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook.
According to his campaign website, Ortis began his professional life teaching in public schools before earning an accelerated pharmacy degree and later completing both an MBA and a Master of Public Health at UAB.
In 2003, after serving as a pharmacist and healthcare executive, Ortis founded Solutions Infusion Therapy and spent the next two decades building it into one of the state’s leading home infusion and enteral care providers.
“For too long, career politicians have made things harder than they need to be,” Ortis said.
“We need strong leadership that understands how businesses actually operate, how healthcare really works, and why limited government and lower taxes matter to everyday Alabamians.”
According to his campaign, Ortis is a father of five, including his son Sid, who passed away after a courageous fight with pediatric cancer.
In Sid’s memory, Ortis helped establish the Sid Strong Foundation to support pediatric cancer research.
“I am not a career politician. I am a father and retired businessman who wants to serve my community and come home. I believe in term limits and citizen leaders. We need fresh ideas, and more conservative, business-minded outsiders in Montgomery.”
He detailed his legislative priorities today, which include cutting taxes, reducing unnecessary regulations, expanding workforce training, passing term limits, and ensuring that every student leaves high school either college or career ready.
“The time to address the cost of living and healthcare, improve educational outcomes, and ensure Alabamians are prepared to fill the jobs of tomorrow is now, and I am ready to get to work on day one,” Ortis added.
The Alabama Republican Party primary election will be held May 19, 2026, now 140 days away.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
