Thomas Worthy has announced his candidacy for mayor of Gadsden in the 2026 municipal election.
A native of Guntersville, Worthy was raised in Gadsden. He is a member of Abundant Life Church and is the father of two sons, Thomas Jr. (TJ) and Blake, and grandfather to four grandchildren: Emiya’rai, Harper, Tre’ and True.
Worthy is a graduate of Emma Sansom High School. He earned an Associate of Science degree from Gadsden State Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Ashford University.
Worthy retired from the Gadsden Police Department after more than 25 years of service. He also retired from the Alabama National Guard after serving 22 years.
His public service includes two terms representing District 3 on the Gadsden City Council. During his tenure, Worthy served as co-chairman of the Public Safety Committee, chairman of the Community Development Committee and became the first African American appointed to serve on the Etowah County Democratic Executive Committee.
Worthy is the founder and executive director of Gadsden Empowerment Initiative Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides home repairs for senior citizens, veterans and disabled residents in Etowah County. According to Worthy, the organization has recently completed repairs on 39 homes throughout the county.
In addition to his elected and professional experience, Worthy has served in several civic and community organizations. He is a current board member for Habitat for Humanity and the Gadsden Head Start Program, a current member and former president of the Fraternal Order of Police, and a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
His previous leadership roles include serving as president of the Police Labor Union Council, membership in the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and the Alabama Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, and service on the Gadsden Beautification Board.
