Senator Rodger Smitherman Contact information

Rodger Mell Smitherman, born on March 2, 1953, is a Democratic member of the Alabama Senate, representing the 18th District since 1995. He is also a member of the Alabama Sentencing Commission.

Smitherman was elected President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate on February 5, 2009. He is a graduate of the University of Montevallo and Miles Law School. Smitherman’s wife is current judge, former Birmingham City Councilor, and former Birmingham Mayor Carole Smitherman. They are the parents of four children. The Smithermans maintain a law practice in downtown Birmingham.

In addition to his role as a state senator, Smitherman has served on various committees throughout his tenure. These include the Confirmations Committee, Senate Rules Committee, Legislative Committee on Public Accounts, Housing Finance Authority, Children First Trust Fund Legislative Oversight Committee, Reapportionment Committee, Tourism Committee, Local Legislation Jefferson County Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee, Finance and Taxation Education Committee, Banking and Insurance Committee, and Senate Education Policy Committee.

Smitherman’s current term ends on November 4, 2026. He has been in the position for over 30 years, having assumed office in 1994. His base salary as a state senator is $53,913 per year. Smitherman ran for re-election to the Alabama State Senate to represent District 18 and won in the general election on November 8, 2022.