HUNTSVILLE — Jeanne Dowdle Rizzardi, who has more than 30 years of legal experience, has announced her candidacy for Madison County District Judge, Place 5. 

Rizzardi, an assistant city attorney for Huntsville, has spent the last decade handling a wide range of legal matters impacting the community. Prior to that, she built a private practice focused on family law, with a particular emphasis on cases involving children. She began her legal career practicing insurance defense law in Talladega.

“I’m running for district judge because I believe Madison County families deserve a judge who brings experience, fairness, and compassion to the courtroom,” said Rizzardi. “I’ve spent my career working to serve others, with a heart for justice and a belief that the law should work for everyone.” 

Rizzardi has been elected to three terms on the Alabama State Bar’s Board of Bar Commissioners and is the incoming president of the Alabama Law Foundation, the charitable arm of the State Bar. She previously chaired the Alabama State Bar’s Pro Bono Task Force and has provided legal services to those in need. 

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rizzardi serves as a board member and past president of the Christian Job Corps of Madison County, chairs the organization’s annual Circles Luncheon, and is a member of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild, where she chairs the Finance Committee. 

“I’m committed to ensuring our courts reflect the values of fairness, integrity, and service,” said Rizzardi. “I’m ready to bring a steady hand and a servant’s heart to the bench.” 

Rizzardi holds degrees from Auburn University, the University of Alabama, and the University of Alabama School of Law.

She and her husband, Judge Don Rizzardi, are members of First Baptist Church in Huntsville and are the parents and grandparents of a blended family of six children and three grandchildren.

For information, follow Rizzardi’s campaign on Facebook and her website.

The Republican Primary is May 19, 2026.