The Alabama Democratic Party is holding a special primary election in Alabama House District 55 today. Meanwhile, the Alabama Republican Party is holding a special primary election in Alabama House District 16. Both elections are to fill vacancies in the Alabama House of Representatives.
In House District 55, State Rep. Fred “Coach” Plump (D-Fairfield) resigned his seat and pled guilty to corruption-related charges in a federal public corruption probe,
The candidates running in the HD55 Democratic primary are Kenneth Coachman, Travis Hendrix, Ves Marable, Cara McClure, Phyllis E. Oden-Jones, Sylvia Swayne, and Antwon Bernard Womack.
Kenneth Coachman is a former two-term Mayor of Fairfield. Travis Hendrix is a former law enforcement officer and is widely seen as an up-and-coming politico with several key endorsements, including from BCA and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels. Ves Marable is a Fairfield City Councilor and the choice of the Alabama Democratic Conference. Cara McClure is a community activist best known as the co-founder of the Birmingham chapter of Black Lives Matter. Phyllis E. Oden-Jones is a Fairfield City Council member and a retired Birmingham police detective. Sylvia Swayne is a recent college graduate and a transgender. She has the support of the LGBTQ+ community. Antwon Bernard Womack is a labor organizer and perennial candidate.
No Republican qualified to run in this heavily Democratic majority-minority district.
A special Democratic primary runoff, if necessary, will be held on October 24. The special general election is scheduled for January 9, 2024.
House District 55 is in Jefferson County.
In House District 16, State Representative Kyle South (R-Fayette) resigned his office to accept a position as the President and CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce.
The House District 16 candidates are Bryan Brinyark, Brad Cox, Greg Fanin, Floyd Rogers Jr., and Mike Simpson.
Greg Lowery was previously a candidate but was disqualified by the Alabama Republican Party because he previously ran for Fayette County Probate Judge as a Democrat.
Bryan Brinyark is an attorney. Brad Cox is a banker, former high school teacher, and Fayette County Commissioner. Cox is the AEA-funded candidate. Greg Fanin is retired from the military after serving in the U.S. Army and Air Force. Floyd Rodgers, Jr. is the Alabama Communities of Excellence coordinator for the City of Fayette. Rodgers is also a minister. Mike Simpson is an attorney and former law enforcement officer who worked for the City of Bessemer and the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles.
A special Republican primary runoff, if necessary, is scheduled for October 24.
There is no Democratic primary in HD16 as John Underwood is the only Democrat to qualify and, thus, the Democratic nominee. Underwood will face the eventual Republican nominee in the January 9 general election.
House District 16 includes Fayette County and portions of northern Tuscaloosa County and western Jefferson County.
During the last legislative session, the Alabama House of Representatives divided 77 Republicans to 28 Democrats.
You must have a valid photo ID to participate in any Alabama election. There is no same-day registration in Alabama, and you must vote at the polling place you are assigned.
Polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m.
Both districts should have representation in place in time for the 2024 regular legislative session. The representatives elected will serve the remainder of this term and then face voters again in 2026.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
