Ontario Tillman

Democratic Representative, Alabama House District 56

Ontario J. Tillman was born and raised in Bessemer, Alabama, where he continues to reside. He is a family man, married to his wife Yvette for over five years, and has three children. Tillman grew up on the south side of Bessemer in a community-oriented family and learned early the values of service, family, hard work, and sacrifice.

Education

Tillman is a graduate of Jess Lanier High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and a Master of Education degree in Collaborative Teaching from Alabama A&M University. He also received his Juris Doctorate degree from Miles Law School.

Political Experience and Professional Background

Tillman made his first run for political office in 2022, when he was elected to represent House District 56 in the Alabama House of Representatives. Prior to his election, he had worked with candidates through the Bessemer Voters League.

His professional background includes extensive work in education and law. Since 2008, he served as an educator in the Bessemer City School District at both Westhills Elementary School and Bessemer City High School. He also served as Head Boys Varsity Basketball coach at Bessemer City High School, leading his team to a Class 6A Final Four appearance in 2014, as well as regional appearances in 2015 and 2016.

For the past nine years, Tillman has worked as an attorney specializing in Criminal Defense, Juvenile Law, and Personal Injury. He is currently a partner at the Maxwell Tillman Law Firm in Downtown Birmingham.

Throughout his career, Tillman has been actively involved in civic organizations, including Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, boys' clubs, sports leagues, and free legal clinics.