Doug Cannon is a lifelong resident of Lee County, a dedicated public servant, and a retired businessman who believes in the power of hard work and community investment. Deeply rooted in East Alabama, His parents were from Tallassee and Reeltown and Doug graduated from Beauregard High School in 1982. Shortly after, in the summer of 1983, he married his high school sweetheart, Amanda. This year, they celebrate 43 years of marriage; a testament to the loyalty and commitment Doug brings to every aspect of his life.
Together, Doug and Amanda raised their three children in Auburn and are now the proud grandparents to three. Doug’s professional journey is a testament to the Alabama work ethic. He began his career at Uniroyal in Opelika, starting on the production floor and working his way into management. His talent for precision eventually led him to the Research and Development department, where he served as a Die Engineer, designing tire treads and sidewalls.
In 1985, Doug launched a 40-year career as a General Contractor, building a reputation for quality and integrity. Before his retirement from active building, he personally oversaw the completion of over 170 homes across Auburn, Opelika, and at Lake Martin.
In 2020, Doug transitioned his business experience into public service when he was elected to the Lee County Commission. Since then, he has been a tireless advocate for rural infrastructure, championing projects like expanded broadband internet and the revitalization of Loachapoka Park.
To Doug, serving as a County Commissioner has never been a "part-time" title; it is a full-time commitment to the people of Lee County. He has built a reputation as a highly responsive leader, making it a point to return every call and personally visit sites to see challenges firsthand. Whether it’s inspecting a drainage issue, a crumbling road, or a rural infrastructure need, Doug is known for his proactive, boots-on-the-ground approach. He doesn't let district lines stop him from helping a neighbor, frequently advocating for citizens across the entire county because he believes that if a Lee County resident has a problem, it is his responsibility to help solve it.
Doug Cannon has never been one to sit on the sidelines. Whether it was personally purchasing and donating a fire truck to ensure rural neighbors in Coosa County were protected or providing the gravel for the foundation of the Farmville Fire Department, Doug believes in 'boots-on-the-ground' service.
From sponsoring Auburn rec league teams for over a decade and coaching little league sports when his children were younger, to advocating for foster families and supporting the Alabama Sheriffs Girls Ranch and Loachapoka Enrichment Center: his commitment to the next generation is just as personal. He understands that a strong community is built through service, and he has spent the last 40 years laying that foundation. Doug’s mission is simple: to leave District 27 better than he found it.
Quick Facts: Doug Cannon
Candidate for Alabama State Senate, District 27
Personal & Family Roots
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Local: Raised in Lee County; parents from Tallassee and Reeltown.
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Education: Graduate of Beauregard High School (1982).
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Family: Married high school sweetheart, Amanda, in 1983 (43 years this summer).
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Home: Raised 3 children in Auburn; proud grandparent of 3.
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Residency: Lee county resident for over 60 years.
The "Full-Time" Commissioner (Constituent Services)
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Highly Responsive: Known for a "pick up the phone" philosophy; returns every call and personally visits sites to see problems firsthand.
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District-Wide Advocate: Frequently addresses issues for citizens outside of his specific district, believing that if a Lee County resident has a problem, it’s his job to help solve it.
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Proactive Leadership: Operates with the mindset that public service is a full-time commitment, often going on-site to inspect infrastructure, drainage, or road issues personally.
Professional Experience (Business & Industry)
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Real Estate: Licensed Realtor (Berkshire Hathaway) since 2010
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General Contractor: Retired after 40 years; built over 170 homes in Auburn, Opelika, and at Lake Martin.
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Business Owner: Founded Louie’s Chicken Fingers franchise (2010); managed 5 locations.
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Manufacturing: Spent 13 years at Uniroyal (1983–1996); rose from production to Management and Research & Development as a Die Engineer.
Public Service & Leadership
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Lee County Commission: Representing District 1 since 2020.
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Key Committees: * Legislative Committee for Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA).
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Liability Insurance Board for ACCA (3 years).
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RC&D Council Board Member (5 years).
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Airport Advisory Board (5 years).
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Community Impact & Philanthropy
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Infrastructure: Championed rural broadband and rural weather radios.
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Charitable Support:
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Youth & Sports: 10+ years sponsoring Auburn Rec leagues; Little League and Pee Wee football coach.
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First Responders: Personally purchased and donated a firetruck to Coosa County Volunteer Fire Dept; donated gravel foundation for Farmville Fire Dept.
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Health: Type 1 Diabetes research, Exceptional Foundation
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Family: DHR Foster Parent Appreciation, Alabama Sheriffs Girls Ranch, Esperanza House.
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Veterans: Christmas gifts for nursing staff at Bill Nichols State Veterans Home.
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Faith: Donated labor for local church fellowship halls; supporter of Chette Williams FCA.
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Campaign Priorities
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Economic Growth: Repealing the sales tax on groceries; supporting small business and local farmers.
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Education: Expanding Trade Schools to keep Alabama’s workforce competitive. C
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Fiscal Responsibility: Conservative budgeting and government transparency.
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Veterans: Ensuring full funding and support for those who served.
As commissioner:
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Weather radios in rural Lee county
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Loachapoka park
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Advocate for Farmville volunteer fire dept
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Supported mental health center for East Alabama Medical Center
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Water boards, broadband internet in rural areas.