CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Opelika City Council member Todd Rauch officially announced his campaign for re-election to represent Ward 5. Rauch says his passion for public service is rooted in a simple principle: Government works best when it works for the people.
Since first being elected in 2020, Rauch has built a reputation as one of the most active and engaged members of the Opelika City Council. He’s attended hundreds of ribbon cuttings, neighborhood meetings, civic events and one-on-one constituent visits, making visibility, accessibility and transparency the cornerstones of his leadership.
“I believe it’s the responsibility of elected leaders to continually engage with the people who put their trust in us,” Rauch said. “Ward 5 deserves a representative who shows up, listens and delivers — and that’s the standard I hold myself to every single day.”
Rauch currently serves on numerous regional and state-level boards, including the Alabama Association of Regional Councils, the Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Advisory Board and the Lee County Young Leaders Board of Directors. In December 2023, he was one of just seven elected officials nationwide selected for a prestigious international delegation to China with the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), representing Alabama and Opelika on the global stage.
During his first term, Rauch focused on strengthening city communication efforts, supporting local schools and boosting economic opportunity. Now, as he seeks a second term, he says there’s still important work to be done.
“I’m running for re-election because I want to continue giving the people of Ward 5 a strong voice at City Hall,” Rauch said. “We’ve made real progress, and I’m ready to keep fighting for the future Opelika deserves.”
A retired U.S. Army Military Police officer and Purple Heart recipient, Rauch was injured in Iraq in 2003 when his team was ambushed while training Iraqi police officers. After his military service, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and went on to serve as an Intelligence Specialist for the U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal. Locally, he’s known for his service as vice president of the Community Foundation of East Alabama and his continued dedication to civic and nonprofit work.
“My re-election campaign is about investing in Opelika’s future,” Rauch said. “We must continue to ensure fiscal responsibility, promote responsible residential growth, protect our natural resources and improve roads, sidewalks and stormwater infrastructure. These are the things that shape the everyday lives of our residents.”
Rauch and his wife, Ali, are active members of Foundry Opelika Church and recently welcomed a new puppy named Liberty into their home. Constituents can learn more or connect with Todd at Facebook.com/ToddRauch4Opelika.
