Toni Vaughn

Toni Vaughn (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Alabama House of Representatives to represent District 45. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. The Democratic primary for this office on May 19, 2026, was canceled.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Toni Kornegay Vaughn, and I am a seventh-generation Alabamian, a graduate of Alabama public schools and a second-generation graduate of the University of Alabama, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

I grew up in rural Alabama, surrounded by a family of educators who instilled in me a lifelong respect for education, service, integrity, and hard work. My father was both an educator and a veteran, and my grandmother taught in a three-room schoolhouse. Those influences shaped my belief in the importance of education and giving back to one’s community.

Professionally, I spent my career in the insurance claims industry, ultimately serving as a Senior Regional Vice President for the southeastern United States with a national independent adjusting company. I oversaw operations across 40 branch offices and received numerous professional awards at the local, state, regional, and national levels. My career taught me the importance of leadership, sound financial management, accountability and working with people from all walks of life.

My husband and I have lived in North Shelby County since 1980. I am the proud wife and daughter of veterans, the mother of two daughters and a third-generation University of Alabama family member. Our family has experienced both extraordinary accomplishments and profound loss, experiences that have deepened my compassion for others and my understanding of the challenges families face.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Strong Public Schools:

My education priorities are protecting funding for Alabama public schools, repealing the CHOOSE Act, supporting teachers, retirees, school libraries and expanding vocational and career training, I believe public education should provide every child with the opportunity to succeed whatever their family income or where they live. I belive that every child can learn and that the state owes a duty to educate every child.Affordable Accessible Healthcare:

My healthcare priorities include expanding Medicaid, protecting access to rural healthcare, improving mental healthcare and mental health services for veterans and their families..Affordibility for Alabama Families:

My economic priorities are lowering the financial burden on workoing families, expanding accesss to affordable childcare, and supporting policies that help people achieve financial security. I believe state budget decisions should reflect the everyday needs of Alabama families including housing, groceries, childcare, fuel, and other essential expenses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As the daughter and granddaughter of educators and a graduate of Alabama public schools, I am passionate about public education. I support strong neighborhood schools, teachers, libraries, and vocational education.

Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

Working families need a break. As a retired working mother, affordable, safe childcare is a major concern.

Underlying all these priorities is my commitment to the Constitution, individual liberty, religious freedom, and equal justice under the law. I believe public service means representing everyone, not simply those who agree with me. I am committed to the people, not mega donors or outside interests.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity, and a willingness to serve the people, not special interests

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To recommend and support legislation that will make the day-to-day lives of people better. No culture wars

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked in a drug store with a soda fountain for 3 years when I was a teenager

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

To accept that you cannot convince everyone to live together in harmony

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

To work together for the good of the people.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Public education and the economy

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, but not when it compromises my principles

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Alabama AFL-CIO, Central Alabama Labor Council, Gun Sense Candidate, Mental Health Candidate, Two former Miss Alabama, Angela Tower Walker and Callies Walker, Center for Free Thought Equality, Alabama Democratic County Chairs Association, Leeds Councilwoman Sabrina Rose, Shelby County Democratic Party, Jefferson County Democratic Party, St Clair County Democratic Party, Jefferson County New South Coalition

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The launching of the first U.S. satellite into space, January 31, 1956 which was also the day my baby brother was born.