A Birmingham-area Democrat is seeking a national seat that could bring renewed attention to a state that has not been a stronghold for her party in decades.

State Senator Merika Coleman today announced her candidacy for treasurer of the Democratic National Committee.

Coleman, who lives in Pleasant Grove, touts her more than two decades of legislative experience and a call for greater financial transparency as strong points of her campaign. She served 20 years in the Alabama House of Representatives before joining the Alabama Senate in 2022.

“While I am new to the DNC’s internal leadership structure, I am not new to the Democratic Party,” she said. “I’ve spent my career championing Democratic values, fighting for equity, and building coalitions that drive meaningful change.”

Democratic Party leaders elect their new leaders Feb. 1, at their winter meeting in Washington D.C.

The meeting comes at a time where Democrats must rebuild their infrastructure and strategy after losing both the presidency and their slim majority in the Senate following the election of Donald Trump, who returns to the White House Jan. 20. Republicans will then control every branch of federal government.

Alabama has been a firm GOP ally in state and national elections for nearly 30 years.

“I am honored to step forward for this critical role at such a pivotal moment for our party and our nation,” Coleman said.

Coleman said she wants to enhance transparency and accountability within the party’s financial systems.

“Democrats lead the way in fighting for integrity and justice, and our party’s financial practices must reflect those same values,” she said.