Darius Foster, known throughout the state for over two decades of activism, will run for Pelham City Council, Place 4, in this year's municipal elections.
While a formal campaign launch isn't expected for a couple of weeks, Foster has teased his race to friends and family on Facebook and confirmed the news in an interview with 1819 News.
Foster was an active College Republican, then Young Republican, and later served with the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP), and then as a gubernatorial appointee.
"This is the right time in my life to pursue elected office," Foster told 1819 News. "My marriage is in a good place, and the kids are thriving. With their support, I can take everything else as it comes."
With a Facebook post teasing his campaign, Foster posted a campaign logo along with a tee shirt showing it and said, "I have gone back-and-forth over the past several months about doing this now. I also realized that if I am going to pursue this, I will have to do it differently. You'll see what I mean by differently."
"Stay tuned. Much more to come!" he closed.
Foster said, "Our city is poised to go from good to great. We have phenomenal public safety, our school system is strong, and we have quite a bit of land in our city that needs to be purposefully developed. We are missing a few key ingredients, which I will share along the campaign trail."
Foster elaborated that he believes that the city "has an opportunity to seek clarity from the residents about the type of city we want to be." While he gave "kudos" to the current council and city leadership, saying that they have done a "good job" with the purse strings of the city, leading to one of its largest reserves, he believes it is time to look at increasing investments in services for seniors and first responders.
He has been very active in the Pelham community for several years, serving as both the chairman and vice chairman of Pelham's Commercial Development Authority (CDA).
"I have learned so much about economic development and about infrastructure from city staff," Foster said. "Working alongside city hall for four years has definitely increased my knowledge of how local government works."
He pointed to a life experience guiding his plan to bring more "private solutions to public problems," saying, "When I was building a business, I worked AmazonFlex on the side."
AmazonFlex is a delivery program that allows individuals to deliver packages on a flexible schedule in their own vehicle. Foster described picking up a route he almost passed on and how grateful he was. Doing that delivery allowed him to "learn something new. Amazon was partnering with a foodbank in Homewood using its drivers to take food to seniors living in poverty."
He wants to explore the City of Pelham's offering more programs like this. With so much focus on school-aged children, he believes it's possible to better help seniors who are unable to help themselves or their children.
He intends to facilitate city partnerships with companies like Amazon, Doordash or other resources like them to get seniors the help they need.
Of the experience, Foster said, "It was great. "Taking that route changed my perspective."
"The election is several months away," he outlined. "Right now, I am focused on meeting new residents and fundraising. I will introduce my platform to the community in the coming weeks."
Foster ran for State House in 2014 at 33. His campaign ad, "In a Box," went viral at the time, getting the attention of NPR, who did a featured story on his candidacy and his message. The story said, "Foster says he needs no reminder that he stands out. "With me, unfortunately, everything is black Republican. Not Darius did this, but the black Republican did that. So, you know."
Foster points out the unique experience he'd bring to the council in public policy, community development, and critical thinking, citing opportunities he's been given by leaders over the years.
In 2009, Governor Bob Riley appointed Foster to the state's Amistad Commission.
His second and third appointments came from former Governor Robert Bentley to the Affordable Homeowner's Insurance Commission in 2011, and he became the youngest Alabamian appointed to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education in 2012.
Governor Kay Ivey appointed him to the Alabama Prison Repurposing Commission in 2020.
He also served on the Business Council of Alabama board of directors.
Foster attended Jacksonville State before transferring closer to his grandmother after his grandfather passed away and getting a B.S. from Miles College. While at Jacksonville State, he was introduced to the College Republicans. This is where a speaker talked about Republican principles, which struck Foster because they were concepts that he says his grandmother had raised him on.
When he transferred, he chartered a College Republican chapter at Miles.
He also earned a certificate from The Warton School on "Business Strategies for Social Impact."
Municipal races are non-partisan. Foster is clear that while he was incredibly active in the party early in his life and career, his priority "is what he can accomplish for everyone in his community." He says he is driven by his faith, family and commitment to his community.
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at aprylmarie.fogel@1819news.com or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
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