Most redistricting challenges have been dropped
The Alabama Legislature reapportioned and redistricted all of the congressional districts, the state board of education districts, and the districts in the Alabama House and Senate during a 2021 special session. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the congressional redistricting likely violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965, ultimately leading to the federal court redrawing the districts to create a second majority Black district in the state. That decision made many legislators concerned that the state legislative districts would be next, as suits had already been filed pending the outcome of the congressional redistricting case. Those concerns were alleviated on Thursday when Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) announced today that the plaintiffs who challenged 33 different State House and Senate districts have now dropped challenges to only two state Senate districts. The decision by the plaintiffs to drop the cases came following the Attorney General’s filing of a motion to dismiss the claims. Now, challenges to only two Senate districts remain. “For two years, my office has been defending the State’s redistricting plans,” Marshall said in a statement. “I am pleased to report that the plaintiffs have dropped all their challenges to the State House districts and nearly all their challenges to the State Senate districts. We think the plaintiffs’ remaining two claims also lack merit. I will continue to defend Alabama’s laws and fight attempts to redraw our districts based on racial goals rather than common interests.” The 105 members of the Alabama House of Representatives during the 2023 regular session were divided 77 to 28 between Republicans and Democrats. The 28 Democrats represent majority-minority districts. Two House seats formerly held by Republicans are currently open and will be decided by pending special elections. Republican Bryan Brinyark faces Democrat John Underwood in HD16 on January 9. Republican Teddy Powell faces Democrat Marilyn Lands in HD10 on March 26. There is a potential for Democrats to pick up both House seats there in low-turnout special elections. The 35-member Alabama Senate during the 2023 regular session was divided 27 to 8, with the 8 Democrats representing majority-minority districts. The Republican-leaning Senate District 9 seat is open and will be decided in a special election on April 23. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Bryan Brinyark wins Alabama House District 16 Special runoff election
Tuscaloosa Attorney Bryan Brinyark has won the Special Election Republican Runoff in Alabama House District 16. Bryan Brinyark received 1706 votes (52.75% of the vote), while Chairman of the Fayette County Commission Brad Cox received 1528 votes (47.25%). The two had been virtually even in the special Republican primary. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl congratulated Brinyark on the victory. “Being a public servant is a true commitment and calling, one which requires great selflessness and sacrifice,” said Wahl. “I would like to thank all of our candidates for giving their time and talents to this campaign. I truly appreciate their desire to represent the people of House District 16 in the Alabama Legislature. On behalf of the Alabama Republican Party, I would like to offer my congratulations to Bryan Brinyark and look forward to working with him in the future as we mount a vigorous general election campaign.” Brinyark lives on a small farm in northern Tuscaloosa County. Tuscaloosa County played a huge role in his victory. “I’m proud of northern Tuscaloosa County and especially the Northside community for how they turned out,” Brinyark told Patch. “To increase your turnout by such a wide margin in a runoff is unheard of. We knew we had a big task in front of us, but the community came together, and I’m thankful.” Brinyark had the endorsement of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), while the Alabama Education Association (AEA) supported Cox. House District 16 covers Fayette County and portions of Jefferson and Tuscaloosa Counties. It became vacant when former State Representative Kyle South (R-Fayette) became the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. Brinyark will face Democratic nominee John Underwood in the Special General Election on January 9, 2024. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
House District 16 Republican runoff is Tuesday
On Tuesday, Republican voters in House District 16 go to the polls to select their next state Representative. The candidates are Bryan Brinyark and Brad Cox. They both advanced from the Republican primary in the House District 16 special primary election last month. The seat became vacant when Rep. Kyle South (R-Fayette) resigned to become the President and CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. Both got about 32.5% of the votes in the primary. 1216 votes for Cox and 1201 Brinyark 1201. There were only 3,689 votes cast in the primary. Every vote is likely to matter in the primary runoff. His website says, “Bryan Brinyark was born and raised in Tuscaloosa County and graduated from Central High School in Tuscaloosa in 1986. He then attended the University of Alabama, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1990 and his law degree in 1993. Brinyark has lived in the Samantha/Windham Springs area for 19 years, where he raised his family on a small farm.” “Bryan Brinyark is a devoted family man, a Christian, and a proud member of the Republican Party. He has been a stalwart of the legal profession in Tuscaloosa while also serving his larger community. He is a partner attorney with Brinyark & Frederick, serving clients in West Alabama. As a lawyer, he is passionate about advocating for his clients and upholding the law.” Brad Cox’s website, that he “Is a seasoned leader with a strong background in agricultural education and community development. As an Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Fayette County High School, Brad led one of our state’s top-tier ag programs, earning multiple FFA awards and expanding it to include a student livestock exhibition and a school farm. His role as Area 2 Director at the Alabama Farmers Federation allowed him to develop a valuable network in the agricultural and political spheres. Currently, Brad serves as a Business Development Officer at Alabama One Credit Union, where he helps business, land, and agricultural clients while forming partnerships with local, state, and national organizations. Brad also serves as District One Commissioner for the Fayette County Commission. Brad plays a vital role in budget creation, industry recruitment, and ensuring the county’s well-being.” There was no Democratic primary in HD16, as John Underwood was the only Democrat to qualify. 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. Polls will be open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Voters will need to bring a valid photo with them to the polls in order to participate and vote only at the polling place where they are assigned. There is no online voting or same-day voter registration in Alabama. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Bryan Brinyark and Brad Cox advance to a runoff in House District 16
Bryan Brinyark and Brad Cox have both advanced to the Republican primary runoff in the House District 16 special election on October 24. Republican voters went to the polls on Tuesday in HD16 to select their State Representative. The seat became vacant when Rep. Kyle South (R-Fayette) resigned to become the President and CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. Brinyark had 32.56% of the vote – 1,201 votes. Cox only had 15 votes more (1216 votes) when Alabama Today went to press late on Tuesday night. Greg Fanin received 218 votes (5.91 votes). Greg Lowery was removed from the ballot by the Alabama Republican Party because he ran as a Democrat for probate judge within the last five years. It was too late, however, to remove his name from the ballots which had already gone to the printer. Despite having suspended his campaign, Lowery still got 52 votes (1.41%). Floyd Rodgers Jr. received 320 votes (8.67%). Mike Simpson received 682 votes (18.49%). There were only 3,689 votes cast. These election results are preliminary and may be subject to change. According to his website, “Bryan Brinyark was born and raised in Tuscaloosa County and graduated from Central High School in Tuscaloosa in 1986. He then attended the University of Alabama, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1990 and his law degree in 1993. Brinyark has lived in the Samantha/Windham Springs area for 19 years, where he raised his family on a small farm.” “Bryan Brinyark is a devoted family man, a Christian, and a proud member of the Republican Party. He has been a stalwart of the legal profession in Tuscaloosa while also serving his larger community. He is a partner attorney with Brinyark & Frederick, serving clients in West Alabama. As a lawyer, he is passionate about advocating for his clients and upholding the law.” According to Brad Cox’s website, he “Is a seasoned leader with a strong background in agricultural education and community development. As an Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Fayette County High School, Brad led one of our state’s top-tier ag programs, earning multiple FFA awards and expanding it to include a student livestock exhibition and a school farm. His role as Area 2 Director at the Alabama Farmers Federation allowed him to develop a valuable network in the agricultural and political spheres. Currently, Brad serves as a Business Development Officer at Alabama One Credit Union, where he helps business, land, and agricultural clients while forming partnerships with local, state, and national organizations. Brad also serves as District One Commissioner for the Fayette County Commission. Brad plays a vital role in budget creation, industry recruitment, and ensuring the county’s well-being.” There was no Democratic primary in HD16, as John Underwood was the only Democrat to qualify. 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. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
