By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor

Shelby County Commissioner Mike Vest said he might run for Alabama’s Sixth Congressional district seat to be vacated next year by Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Vestavia Hills.

“I’m considering it, but I haven’t made a decision,” said Vest, a first-term commissioner who defeated long-time incumbent Larry Dillard for Shelby County’s District 6 seat in 2012. “As of right now, I’m loving serving people in my district, that’s for sure.”

Vest said several people have approached him about running for the congressional seat, citing his ties throughout the district. Vest was reared in Jefferson County and has family ties in Bibb County. The Sixth Congressional district covers Chilton, Bibb and Shelby counties, as well as parts of Coosa, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa and St. Clair counties.

If Vest were to throw his hat in the ring, he would join state Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, orthopedic surgeon Chad Mathis, Alabama Policy Institute founder Gary Palmer and Harbert Management Corporation executive Will Brooke in the GOP lineup of candidates.

Vest described the confirmed contenders as “fantastic guys” who will “raise some good funding.”  Vest hinted that fundraising could prove a challenge if he were to run.

“You just can’t jump out and do something. You have to have some type of experience in the field, so to speak,” Vest said.

“I’m looking forward to see what God has in store for me. If the train starts rolling, I’ll be sure to let you know.”