Vote Samantha
Samantha Valenzuela for District Judge, Dale County, Alabama
A little bit about me:
My name is Samantha Rhoades Valenzuela. I am running for Dale County District Judge, Place One, as a Republican.
I grew up in Ewell, AL on a peanut/chicken house farm. I spent my formative years working on the farm and also at J&T’s BBQ when it was in Ewell.
I graduated from George W Long in 1997 and from Troy University in 2001. That same year, I was selected as an intern for Congressman Terry Everett. Once I completed my internship, I traveled to and taught at St. Petersburg State University in St. Petersburg, Russia. I then continued my education at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in Montgomery, AL.
After passing the exam and being admitted to the Alabama Bar in 2005, I immediately got my Guardian ad Litem certification, which allows me to represent juveniles in cases involving dependency and foster care.
In 2005, I began working as an attorney in Greenville, AL, where I practiced several types of law. As an appointed attorney, I represented hundreds of clients in criminal cases, including 3 death penalty cases, and many juvenile cases. I also worked with social security and bankruptcy cases.
In 2014, my husband and I decided it was time to move back home. I opened The Valenzuela Law Firm in August of 2014 and have been at the same location since January of 2015 (154 E Broad Street in Downtown Ozark). Since that time, I have represented hundreds of our neighbors in bankruptcy, social security, criminal, and juvenile cases.
Personally, I am married to Enrique Valenzuela, and I have three wonderful children: Julia Grace (19), Carlin (16), and Victor (9). We live in Midland City. I am actively involved with the Ozark Heritage Association, where we work to maintain and restore the Holman House, located on Broad Street.
Why am I running for District Judge?
I oftentimes get asked why I chose to go to law school and I always answer the same way: If you have ever worked in chicken houses, you’ll absolutely find a way to continue your education, so you don’t have to do that!
But the serious answer is I have always wanted to serve my community, especially the children. I have always made it a personal goal to make sure that the children who are in foster care, who are the victims of neglect or abuse, or who simply find themselves ensnared in the legal system, are not forgotten, are not lost, and are treated with compassion.
When asked why I want to run for District Judge of Dale County, I can only answer in one way: this is my home. This community is my family, and I would love to have the opportunity to give back to the people I love most. I would be honored to be able to use my skills and knowledge, always with compassion and empathy, to serve my community as District Judge in juvenile, criminal, small claims, and traffic courts.
After over twenty years of practicing law, I believe my experiences and background have provided me with the appropriate skills to assess each case with the confidence I need to apply the law and serve justice. When situations require a firm hand, I am prepared to be strict; just as I am prepared to approach situations with understanding and compassion, when appropriate.
Why Vote Samantha?
Raised in a farming Ozark family, I learned early the values of accountability, service, and compassion—principles that have guided me throughout my career.
If elected to serve as District Judge, Place One, I will be committed to maintaining an efficient, impartial court that upholds the Constitution and earns the public’s trust.
I will dedicate myself to applying the law fairly and expeditiously, managing cases promptly, and ensuring that the courtroom remains a place of professionalism and respect.
I am running to give back to the Dale County community, my home, and to serve with the integrity that the citizens of Dale County deserve.
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