HUNTSVILLE, AL – A Huntsville attorney is the first Democrat to join the race for the Fifth Congressional District. Taze Shepard made the announcement Wednesday morning that he is running for the office currently held by Rep. Parker Griffith.

Shepard made the announcement at an office on Williams Street in downtown Huntsville. Behind him hung a portrait of his grandfather, John Sparkman, a longtime U.S. Congressman and Senator from north Alabama. Shepard referenced Sparkman in his speech.

“My values of public service come from him and today, as families face economic challenges at home and threats from abroad, I’m proud to be stand up to serve my community,” said Shepard. “Here in North Alabama, our local industries and our national security are inseparable. And here in North Alabama, we need strong independent-minded leaders who will balance our budgets and continue creating these vital jobs in North Alabama.”

Shepard filed qualifying papers with the Alabama Democratic Party on Tuesday. No other candidates have filed papers yet, but Steve Raby, a political consultant, and Mitchell Howie, a Huntsville lawyer, have both said they will seek the Democratic nomination as well.

Shepard, 56, is a partner in the Huntsville law firm of Sparkman, Shepard and Morris. He is married to Pamela Lang Shepard, a Huntsville realtor who was born in Lawrence County. They have five children.

Shepard said the main focus of his campaign will be on jobs.

“As your Congressman, I will not rest until we bring more jobs to the Fifth District. I will not back down from the fight to keep NASA and Redstone Arsenal fully funded. ”

Three Republicans are running for the nomination. Rep. Parker Griffith, who currently holds the seat, is seeking re-election. Mo Brooks and Les Phillip are challenging him.