Meet Todd Rauch:
A Life of Service, A Voice for Opelika
Todd Rauch has dedicated his life to service—first to his country, and now to his community. At just 17, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Military Police Officer in Germany and later in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2003, while training Iraqi police officers, Todd and his unit were ambushed. He sustained life-threatening injuries and was medevaced to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he underwent 12 surgeries. For his bravery, he was awarded the Purple Heart and later medically retired from military service. That experience shaped his unwavering commitment to protecting and advocating for others.
After his military retirement, Todd focused on continuing his service in new ways. He earned his associate’s degree from Lake Land College and later a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Auburn University. In Opelika, he found a home and a calling. Over the past decade, he has become deeply involved in the life of the community, serving in leadership roles with the Community Foundation of East Alabama, the Opelika Kiwanis Club, the Museum of East Alabama, and several regional planning and emergency response teams. A graduate of Leadership Lee County, Opelika's 20 Under 40, and the Opelika Citizens Police Academy, Todd is no stranger to stepping up for his city.
Elected to represent Ward 5 in 2020, Todd has earned a reputation as one of Opelika’s most active and accessible City Council members. He’s known for showing up—attending hundreds of ribbon cuttings, neighborhood meetings, civic events, and one-on-one constituent visits. Visibility, transparency, and responsiveness have become the hallmarks of his leadership. Todd believes government works best when it works for the people—and every resident of Ward 5 knows they have someone who will listen and take action on their behalf.
In 2023, Todd was selected for a prestigious international delegation to China through the American Council of Young Political Leaders, one of just seven elected officials nationwide to be chosen. He currently represents Opelika on several state and regional boards, including the Alabama Association of Regional Councils, the MPO Policy Advisory Board, and the Lee County Young Leaders Board. His focus remains on practical, people-first solutions—like reducing stormwater flooding, expanding infrastructure, encouraging smart growth, and protecting Opelika’s natural resources.
Todd and his wife, Ali, have proudly called Opelika home for nearly 20 years. Together, they are active members of Foundry Opelika Church and love investing in the community they’ve chosen to grow with. They recently welcomed a new puppy, Liberty, into their home, following the passing of their beloved first pup, Forrest. For Todd, public service isn’t a job—it’s a lifelong mission. He’s running for re-election because he believes the best is yet to come for Opelika, and he’s ready to keep fighting for its future.