Nell Brown
From Ballotpedia
Nell Brown (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Alabama House of Representatives to represent District 15. She declared candidacy for the 2026 election.
Brown completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Nell Brown's career experience includes working as a legal assistant. She earned a bachelor's degree from Miles College in 2009.[1]
Brown has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Delta Sigma Theta, Inc
- Miles College Alumni Chapter
- National Congress of Black Women
- Regenerate Society
- NAACP
- Jefferson county Democratic Committee
Elections
2026
See also: Alabama House of Representatives elections, 2026
Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for Alabama House of Representatives District 15
Nell Brown is running in the general election for Alabama House of Representatives District 15 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Nell Brown (D)  | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2024
See also: Jefferson County Schools, Alabama, elections (2024)
General election
General election for Jefferson County School District, District 2
Robert Durough defeated Sultana Godwin in the general election for Jefferson County School District, District 2 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Robert Durough (R) | 74.2 | 22,887 | |
| Sultana Godwin (D) | 25.7 | 7,940 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 20 | ||
| Total votes: 30,847 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Sultana Godwin advanced from the Democratic primary for Jefferson County School District, District 2.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Nell Brown (D)
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Robert Durough advanced from the Republican primary for Jefferson County School District, District 2.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Brown in this election.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Nell Brown completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Brown's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am Nell Brown, a lifelong advocate for fairness opportunity, and community. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Miles College in 2009 and am currently completing my Juris Doctor at Miles Law School. Over the years, I have served Jefferson County as a Democratic Committee member, a dedicated volunteer in our schools for more than 16 years, and as a leader recognized under 50 under 50 and the Alumni Women's Leadership award. My career and community service have always been rooted in one belief; when we invest in people, we build stronger families and a brighter future for Alabama.
- Fair Representation: Every voter deserves a voice and every community deserves equal access to resources. I will fight to make sure our district's needs are no longer overlooked.
- Strong schools and families: With over 16 years of experience working with local schools, I know firsthand how vital quality education and family support are to our children's future. I will champion policies that strengthen public education and support working families.
- Accountability and Progress: I am committed to transparent, hones leadership that puts people over politics. My goal is to move Alabama forward with smart, fair, and responsible government.
I am most passionate about education, fair representation and community investment. Education is the foundation of opportunity, and I believe every child deserves access to high-quality schools and resources. I am also deeply committed to ensuring our communities have fair representation in government, so that our voices are heard and our needs prioritized. Finally, I believe in investing in people, from economic development to healthcare access because when our communities thrive, our state thrives.
I look up to Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. She is a very intelligent woman who consistently speaks up for what’s right, even when it isn’t easy. I admire her courage, her voice, and her commitment to standing firmly for her community. I strive to bring that same boldness and integrity into my own leadership.
Integrity, accountability, and compassion are essential. An elected official must be honest, transparent, and willing to listen to the people they serve. For me, leadership is about being accessible, making decisions guided by fairness, and always keeping the community’s best interests at the forefront.
A state representative’s core responsibility is to advocate for their district, pass laws that improve quality of life, and ensure state resources are allocated fairly. It also means being present and responsive to constituents, so their voices are heard in Montgomery.
I want to leave a legacy of service, opportunity, and empowerment. My hope is that my work will create pathways for the next generation to have better access to education, healthcare, and opportunities to succeed.
I remember the events of September 11, 2001. I was at work, and it was a moment that shaped my awareness of how connected we are as a nation and how quickly life can change.
My very first job was working in customer service while I was in high school. I had it for about a year, and it taught me responsibility, patience, and the importance of listening to people’s needs.
One of my favorite books is Becoming by Michelle Obama. It’s inspiring to see her journey of resilience, leadership, and staying authentic while breaking barriers. Her story reminds me that no matter where you start, your voice and actions matter.
I would be Wonder Woman. She represents strength, justice, and compassion, qualities I strive to live by in both my personal and professional life.
Like many people, I have faced challenges with balancing family, career, and personal growth. I’ve also had to overcome moments of self-doubt. Those struggles have made me stronger, more resilient, and more empathetic toward others.
The ideal relationship is collaborative and respectful. While the governor provides leadership for the state as a whole, legislators bring the perspective of their districts. Both should work together to solve problems, even when they don’t agree, with the common goal of serving Alabamians.
Alabama’s greatest challenges include improving education, expanding access to healthcare, and creating economic opportunities that allow families to thrive. We must also invest in infrastructure and address workforce development to keep pace with growth.
Experience can be helpful, but it’s not the only measure of effectiveness. What matters most is a willingness to learn, to listen, and to lead with integrity. Fresh perspectives from outside government can bring innovative solutions.
Yes, absolutely. Building relationships is critical to getting things done. Passing laws requires collaboration, and strong relationships allow legislators to find common ground and work across differences to deliver results for the people.
I admire Alabama State Senator Merika Coleman, who I consider both a mentor and an inspiration. I had the opportunity to work on her campaign and witnessed firsthand her dedication, integrity, and tireless commitment to serving the people of Alabama. She has shown me what it means to lead with both strength and compassion, and I aspire to bring that same spirit of service to my work.
Right now, my focus is entirely on serving District 15. I believe in being present and fully committed to the people I represent. The future will take care of itself if I do the work well here.
One that stays with me is from a family struggling to afford their child’s medical treatments while also worrying about keeping food on the table. Their story reminds me why access to affordable healthcare and economic stability must remain top priorities.
The legislature should oversee the use of emergency powers. While the governor needs flexibility in a crisis, there must be checks and balances to protect the rights of citizens and ensure accountability.
I would introduce a bill to expand access to mental health resources in schools and communities. Mental health is often overlooked, but it impacts education, public safety, and overall quality of life.
A ballot initiative process could be beneficial if designed responsibly. It would give citizens a more direct voice in shaping policy, but it should include safeguards to prevent misuse or unintended consequences.
I’ll never forget speaking with a young woman who was the first in her family to attend college but was struggling to afford tuition and basic needs. Her story reminded me of the importance of scholarships and resources for students who are working hard to change their futures.
One accomplishment I am especially proud of is receiving the 2024 Women in Leadership Award from the Miles College Birmingham Alumnae Chapter. It affirmed my commitment to leadership and service, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward for my community.
I would support legislation that expands access to voting such as early voting, secure absentee ballot options, and updated technology, while ensuring elections remain safe, fair, and transparent.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2024
Nell Brown did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign finance summary
Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate Alabama House of Representatives District 15 |
Personal |
Footnotes
Current members of the Alabama House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Nathaniel Ledbetter
Majority Leader:Scott Stadthagen
Minority Leader:Anthony Daniels
Representatives
District 1
Phillip Pettus (R)
District 2
Ben Harrison (R)
District 3
Kerry Underwood (R)
District 4
Parker Moore (R)
District 5
Danny Crawford (R)
District 6
Andy Whitt (R)
District 7
Ernie Yarbrough (R)
District 8
Terri Collins (R)
District 9
Scott Stadthagen (R)
District 10
Marilyn Lands (D)
District 11
Heath Allbright (R)
District 12
Cindy Myrex (R)
District 13
Greg Barnes (R)
District 14
Tim Wadsworth (R)
District 15
Leigh Hulsey (R)
District 16
Bryan Brinyark (R)
District 17
Tracy Estes (R)
District 18
Jamie Kiel (R)
District 19
Laura Hall (D)
District 20
James Lomax (R)
District 21
Rex Reynolds (R)
District 22
Ritchie Whorton (R)
District 23
Mike Kirkland (R)
District 24
District 25
Phillip Rigsby (R)
District 26
Brock Colvin (R)
District 27
Jeana Ross (R)
District 28
Mack Butler (R)
District 29
Mark Gidley (R)
District 30
District 31
Troy Stubbs (R)
District 32
Barbara Boyd (D)
District 33
Ben Robbins (R)
District 34
David Standridge (R)
District 35
Steve Hurst (R)
District 36
Randy Wood (R)
District 37
Bob Fincher (R)
District 38
Vacant
District 39
Ginny Shaver (R)
District 40
Chad Robertson (R)
District 41
Corley Ellis (R)
District 42
Ivan Smith (R)
District 43
Arnold Mooney (R)
District 44
Danny Garrett (R)
District 45
Susan DuBose (R)
District 46
David Faulkner (R)
District 47
Mike Shaw (R)
District 48
Jim Carns (R)
District 49
Russell Bedsole (R)
District 50
Jim Hill (R)
District 51
Allen Treadaway (R)
District 52
Kelvin Datcher (D)
District 53
Anthony Daniels (D)
District 54
Neil Rafferty (D)
District 55
Travis Hendrix (D)
District 56
Ontario Tillman (D)
District 57
Patrick Sellers (D)
District 58
Rolanda Hollis (D)
District 59
Mary Moore (D)
District 60
Juandalynn Givan (D)
District 61
Ron Bolton (R)
District 62
Bill Lamb (R)
District 63
Vacant
District 64
Donna Givens (R)
District 65
District 66
Alan Baker (R)
District 67
Prince Chestnut (D)
District 68
Thomas Jackson (D)
District 69
Kelvin Lawrence (D)
District 70
District 71
Artis McCampbell (D)
District 72
Curtis Travis (D)
District 73
Kenneth Paschal (R)
District 74
Phillip Ensler (D)
District 75
Reed Ingram (R)
District 76
Patrice McClammy (D)
District 77
TaShina Morris (D)
District 78
Kenyatté Hassell (D)
District 79
Joe Lovvorn (R)
District 80
Chris Blackshear (R)
District 81
Ed Oliver (R)
District 82
Pebblin Warren (D)
District 83
Jeremy Gray (D)
District 84
Berry Forte (D)
District 85
Rick Rehm (R)
District 86
Paul Lee (R)
District 87
Jeff Sorrells (R)
District 88
Jerry Starnes (R)
District 89
Marcus Paramore (R)
District 90
Chris Sells (R)
District 91
Rhett Marques (R)
District 92
Matthew Hammett (R)
District 93
Steve Clouse (R)
District 94
Jennifer Fidler (R)
District 95
District 96
Matt Simpson (R)
District 97
Adline Clarke (D)
District 98
Napoleon Bracy (D)
District 99
Sam Jones (D)
District 100
Mark Shirey (R)
District 101
Chris Pringle (R)
District 102
Shane Stringer (R)
District 103
Barbara Drummond (D)
District 104
Margie Wilcox (R)
District 105
Chip Brown (R)
Republican Party (74)
Democratic Party (29)
Vacancies (2)
