On Friday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation to set special election dates for Alabama House District 16. This seat was previously held by State Representative Kyle South (R-Fayette), who resigned to accept a position as the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.
“Rep. South has served the people of House District 16 well for the past nine years and will continue to do so in his new role as president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama,” said Gov. Ivey. “He certainly leaves big shoes to fill in the Legislature, but I am incredibly happy for him and confident he will continue serving West Alabama well. I encourage everyone in this district to get out and vote during this special election to ensure you have another strong voice advocating for you in the Alabama Legislature.”
The special primary election will be Tuesday, September 26, 2023. The special primary runoff, if necessary, will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. House District 16 is considered a majority Republican district, so the winner of the Republican primary will likely be elected. The special general election is set for Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
The deadline for qualifying with the two major political parties is Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. The deadline for all independent candidates and/or minor parties to turn in their qualifying paperwork, including ballot access petitions to the Secretary of State’s office is Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
The special election for House District 16 will be held in concurrence with the special election for House District 55 in Jefferson County. HD55 became vacant when State Rep. Fred Plump (D-Birmingham) resigned after agreeing to plead guilty to Federal corruption charges.
House District 16 includes portions of Fayette, Jefferson, and Tuscaloosa counties.
The Legislature will meet next on July 17 to consider court-ordered congressional redistricting changes. Neither HD16 nor HD55 will have representation in place by then. Both seats will be filled, however, by the start of the 2024 Alabama Regular Legislative Session.
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