Mark Wheeler II is a chemist from Anniston, Alabama, running for U.S. Senate as a Democrat with a pro-labor, pro-worker platform. Born and raised in Heflin, Alabama, Wheeler grew up facing significant financial poverty. Through determination and hard work, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Jacksonville State University (2024) with a minor in Emergency Management. His campaign focuses on workers' rights, labor unions, education, healthcare, and reducing Alabama's reliance on federal funding while maintaining essential services. Wheeler completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey and announced his candidacy on January 19, 2026, according to FEC records.
Wheeler was born and raised in Heflin, Alabama, growing up in significant financial poverty. Through determination and hard work, he achieved educational success, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Jacksonville State University in 2024 with a minor in Emergency Management. His campaign biography emphasizes his personal journey from poverty to education as motivation for pro-worker, pro-education positions. He brings a more working-class perspective to Democratic primary compared to other candidates with corporate or startup backgrounds.
Pro-labor, pro-union
Workers underpaid, overworked, denied voice on job; wants to rebuild unions for fair wages and dignity.
Voting History: No prior voting record; pro-labor positioning drives campaign
Quality public education advocate
Public education foundation of strong state; every child deserves quality education regardless of zip code.
Voting History: No prior voting record
Universal access and affordability
Healthcare is basic right; families should not face impossible choices between necessities and prescriptions.
Voting History: No prior voting record
Reduce federal dependence thoughtfully
Not rejecting federal support but working toward self-sustainability; workers want opportunity, not handouts.
Voting History: No prior voting record
Anti-insider trading
Congress members should not have unfair advantages from non-public information; transparency in government important.
Voting History: No prior voting record
Wheeler has no prior voting record in elected office. He is a chemist and recent Jacksonville State University graduate (2024). His background is personal (childhood poverty, education achievement) rather than political experience.
Wheeler's tone is earnest and focused on working-class issues. More traditional pro-labor Democrat positioning than centrist Sweetser. Emphasis on economic justice and workers' dignity. Less focus on personal narrative than Larriett; more issue-focused.