Updated Jan. 6, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. — Josh Speakman announced this week that he is seeking the Republican nomination for Cullman County Commission, District 2. He stated his decision comes after prayer and conversations with family and close friends and is rooted in a desire to serve the community and support continued progress across Cullman County.
Speakman said his campaign is focused on being a voice for District 2 residents and using his experience working with nonprofit organizations and government entities to help guide the county through ongoing growth and change.
“Today, as we all embrace the nostalgic idea of new opportunities promised by the beginning of a new year, I am announcing my campaign to be the Republican nominee for Cullman County Commissioner, District 2,” Speakman said.
“After much prayer and lengthy conversations with my family and close friends, I am confident in my choice to enter this race in order to represent the people of my district and work to promote the progress of Cullman County in its entirety,” he said.
Speakman said his goal is to serve as a collaborative leader and to help improve quality of life for county residents through teamwork, transparency and compromise.
“My intention is to be a true voice for the people I represent and to use my experience working with multiple organizations and government entities to ensure the progress of our county,” Speakman said. “I am hopeful to win this position in county leadership to allow me to be of greater service to this community.”
He said he believes Cullman County can continue to grow by working together and addressing challenges such as the recent surge in population.
“I know we can build a team founded in truth and working together to improve the quality of life for all Cullman citizens,” Speakman said. “It will be a great honor to represent District 2 and together through compromise and teamwork truly navigate the issues our community is facing such as the unbelievable surge of people moving to Cullman.”
Speakman cited more than two decades of community involvement as preparation for public office, including service with a range of nonprofit organizations and advisory councils.
“I have spent the last 20 years building a network of like-minded individuals who are hardworking, compassionate and generous,” Speakman said. “I call this network my Hometeam and I have been blessed to be able to witness the incredible acts of kindness we have been able to accomplish by working together towards a common goal.”
He has served on the boards of Victim Services of Cullman and Saving Forgotten Warriors and is a charter member of The Bosom Buddies Foundation and Marching Forward Inc., helping draft bylaws and organizational frameworks.
Speakman has also served on advisory councils for Cold Springs and Harmony schools and the Tri-County Advisory Council for LifeSouth Community Blood Center, along with being a member of the Cullman Lions Club and Cullman Elks Lodge.
Speakman said his background in working with diverse groups and navigating complex personalities will translate to county government.
“The experience I have gained over the last 20 years working with different types of non-profits will prove essential in the business of county government,” he said. “My experience and ability in networking will solidify the teamwork and cooperation between county government, state government and the other agencies who influence the quality of life in our phenomenal town.”
He said the campaign is focused on unity rather than personal ambition.
“This campaign is clearly not about me or any personal agenda, it’s about building a strong and unified community which addresses the wants and needs of its people,” Speakman said. “With unity and transparency we will be efficient in our efforts to bring opportunity and advancement to this community.”
Speakman said he is grateful for the encouragement he has received and is asking voters for their support.
“I humbly ask for your prayers and support and invite you to join our team,” he said. “Most importantly I ask for your vote to be the Republican nominee for the next Cullman County Commissioner, District 2.”
The Cullman County Commission, District 2 seat is currently held by Commissioner Garry Marchman, who has announced he will not seek another term.
The Republican Primary Election is scheduled for May 19, 2026, with the General Election set for Nov. 3, 2026.
As of publication, no other candidates have publicly announced plans to run for the District 2 seat.
