The House Always Wins: Why I Am Betting On Jeremy Oden

By Christopher M Peeks August 15, 2025

As a new Alabama election draws near, pundits are writing the obituary for the political career of Public Service Commissioner Jeremy Oden. This rush to judgment is nothing new. Oden seems to always find himself behind in the count.

The new challenger, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, seems destined to finally send Oden into retirement. Gentry's massive war chest caused Assistant Franklin County District Attorney Brent Woodall, who came up short to Oden in the 2022 runoff, to switch races and run against Chris Beeker. Cullman County, Oden's home, has saved him in previous races. Facing a popular sheriff, Oden appears to be a big, fat sitting duck. Pardon the pun. You can bet on it.

I would bet against it. As people begin their death watch, do not forget this is nothing new for Oden. The so-called "experts" wrote Oden off in three previous races. All three times, Oden made them eat their words. He always pulls a rabbit out of his hat.

I give Commissioner Oden credit. The man is a fighter. He has ice water running through his veins. He will campaign for every vote and will walk right into the line of fire.

He proved that in 2022. In the primary, facing multiple opponents, 66% of the voters chose someone else. When the dust settled, Oden remained standing.

The obstacle facing Oden is Cullman county. In the past Cullman county has been his firewall. Gentry, a popular Sheriff that everyone knows, will trounce Oden in his home county. In order for Oden to prove victorious again he will have to make up ground elsewhere. Can he do this? Time will tell. If anybody can, he will.

So while people may be hedging their bets with the sheriff, I say not so fast. As a gambler, I believe in playing the odds, and going against Oden is bucking the house. The house always wins. You may wager on Gentry, but my money is on "Totin," and you can take that to the bank.

Christopher M Peeks

Reporter and Columnist

Alabama Political Contributor

Alabama Public Service Commissioner Jeremy Oden