Rex Reynolds wins special election to fill House District 21
Republican Rex Reynolds was elected to represent House District 21 in a special election on Tuesday. The former former Huntsville police chief and city administrator narrowly defeated his Democratic opponent Terry Jones to fill the position held by former Meridianville-Republican state Rep. Jim Patterson who died suddenly following a heart attack in October. According to AL.com, Reynolds took the oath of office shortly after polls closed. Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan made a statement Tuesday night congratulating Reynolds. “As the results indicate, Mr. Reynolds, a former police chief, is extremely well respected in his district. We are appreciative of the citizens who went and supported him,” said Lathan. “This election shows that Alabama voters agreed that conservative policy clearly benefits our citizens. We are excited to showcase our strong state and county candidates in November who will support our policies that have made such a positive impact in Alabama.” Reynolds will face Jones again in November, as Patterson was up for reelection.
Kay Ivey sets special election dates for House District 21
Gov. Kay Ivey has scheduled a special election to fill the seat left vacant by the sudden death of Meridianville-Republican, former state Rep. Jim Patterson earlier this month. Ivey set the special election Alabama House District 21 for Tuesday, January 9, 2018. If necessary, a runoff will take place Tuesday, March 27, 2018 and the general election Tuesday, June 12, 2018. If there is no need based on number of qualifying candidates for a primary, the general election will be held Tuesday, March 27, 2018. If a runoff is not necessary, the general election will be Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Patterson, who died from a heart attack on Oct. 2, had represented the district since 2010. “I promised the people of Madison County that I would do all I could to help them move forward after the loss of Jim, who was not only a true public servant, but also a loving husband and father,” Ivey said. “Choosing our elected officials is a central component of our government on every plain whether that be on the national, state or local level, and I encourage all those that live in House District 21 to participate in this special election.” The deadline for qualifying with major political parties is Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. The deadline for all independent candidates and/or minor parties is Tuesday, January 9, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. House District 21 represents a portion of Madison County.
