Melson received a "life-saving"[7] operation in 2009[8] from a doctor in Pittsburgh who predicted that a new liver would also resolve his heart issues.
[9] In 2014, Democratic state senator Tammy Irons retired, leaving the first district open in that year's election cycle.
Melson announced his candidacy for the state senate in March 2014, saying he would focus on economic and workforce development, as well as improving health care access and quality in Alabama.
[13] During his reelection campaign, Melson described himself as someone who would continue to "uphold conservative ideals", including anti-abortion measures and pro-gun and Second Amendment protections.
[18] Melson defeated Sutherland in the primary with 69% of the vote,[19] and was uncontested in the general election, with no Democratic candidate qualifying for the race.
[6] While on a business recruiting trip to South Korea in July 2023, Melson suffered a major cardiac emergency.
John Wahl, the chair of the Alabama Republican Party, said that Melson had suffered a heart attack, which can result in cardiac arrest.
[7] Melson was hospitalized in South Korea for two weeks; he returned home to Alabama on August 14, 2023, to continue his recovery.