OPELIKA, Ala. (EETV) – Today, U.S. Army Veteran & Republican, Todd Rauch, announced his candidacy for Alabama House of Representatives - District 38th, which covers parts of Chambers & Lee Counties.
Upon his announcement, Rauch said. “I’ve spent my life serving my Country and my community, which began when I joined the Army at 17.” He continued, “I’m running for office because I believe in service, and I believe we need more full time servant leaders in Montgomery. As a retired Wounded Warrior, I’m ready to do that.”
Todd Rauch has been serving the United States of America since the young age of 17, when he enlisted in the Army in April 2001. In March 2003, his unit was deployed to Kuwait, and then Iraq. On August 21, 2003 while on patrol, Todd and his crew were ambushed in a dark alley, where a 120MM mortar was remote detonated. Suffering life threatening injuries to his right hand and shoulder, as well as gunshot wound to his right leg, Todd was medevac’d to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. where he underwent 12 surgeries to save his arm and hand. Commenting on his years of dedicated service to his Country and community, Todd stated: “I believe our Veterans are the best our country has to offer. I can’t think of a more qualified candidate to earn your vote, than someone who has personally fought to protect your right to vote.”
Todd’s dedication and resilience to continue serving his Country led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Auburn University, and later work as an Intelligence Specialist for the U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command (AMCOM) at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. After missing their friends and family in the heart of Alabama, Todd and Ali returned to Opelika, where Todd’s focus turned to using his skills as a communicator to help Veterans and encourage service to the younger generation throughout the State.
“For the past few years,” Rauch continued, “I’ve been attending city council and county commission meetings across our area. Not once have I seen a single elected official that represents us in Montgomery. I believe our communities deserve representatives that are not only active in Montgomery, but also active here, in our communities, to help solve the serious issues we are facing.” He shared, “I’m excited for the opportunity to continue serving our community in this new role, and for the chance to talk to voters about the issues most important to them.”
Todd is incredibly active in the community, where he serves as an Opelika Chamber Ambassador, an Advisory Board Member for Opelika's Top 20 Under 40, and a Board Member for Haddie's, the Museum of East Alabama, & Flags for Vets. Todd is also a member of the 2017-2018 Class of Leadership Lee County, as well as a 2017 Graduate of Opelika’s Top 20 Under 40 Leadership Program. Additionally, Todd serves as a Veteran Mentor for the Veteran Judicial System, where he's responsible for mentoring Veterans who have found their way into trouble and need a helping hand back to the right path.
Todd and his wife Ali have lived and owned their home in Opelika for 9 years, where they reside with their furry son, Forrest. They regularly attend the Church of the Highlands in Auburn.
District 38 is currently represented by Isaac Whorton, who is running for circuit judge for the 2nd judicial circuit.
