Travis Hendrix wins House District 55 race

Travis Hendrix was elected on Tuesday in the House District 55 special Democratic primary runoff election. Hendrix, who grew up in a Birmingham housing project, is a community leader and former school resource officer who now coordinates the Birmingham Police Department’s community projects.

“Grateful, District 55! Thrilled to be your representative!” Hendrix said in a statement on Facebook. “This journey has been incredible. Massive thanks to my exceptional team, my family, and all of District 55! I’m here to represent each and every one of you with passion and dedication! Let’s make great things happen together! #District55Celebration #ReadyToServe”

Hendrix received the most votes in the primary but not nearly enough to win without a runoff.

Hendrix received 2,367 votes (65.12%), while Sylvia Swayne received 1,268 votes (34.88%). 3,635 people voted in the special democratic primary election.

Hendrix has a bachelor’s degree from Miles College and a master’s degree from Oakland City University. He studied at Ensley High School and finished with a GED.

This election drew a lot of attention largely because of Swayne. If elected, Swayne – a transgender woman – would have been the first transgender elected in the history of Alabama politics.

Hendrix had the support of House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville), Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), the Alabama Forestry Association, and groups across the state.

Swayne’s support leaned heavily on the LGBTQ+ community, with tens of thousands of dollars coming from out of state.

This vacancy in the Alabama House of Representatives was due to the resignation of Rep. Fred Plump (D-Fairfield) after he entered a plea deal in a federal corruption probe that has rocked the Alabama Legislature.

The special general election is scheduled for January. That likely won’t even be necessary, as Hendrix has no Republican opponent.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.