Kelvin Datcher, Frank Woodson competing in Dem runoff for House District 52
Democratic voters in House District 52 will choose between two nominees Tuesday, each offering distinct approaches to voter concerns. Kelvin Datcher, Birmingham’s deputy director of community development, will face Frank Woodson, a nonprofit executive and former manager at United Parcel Service (UPS), for the district’s Democratic nomination, which includes a section of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and parts of Fairfield and Homewood. They advanced to the runoff after a primary earlier this month. Datcher, who finished first in the six-candidate primary with 38% of the vote, said that while addressing issues in education, crime, housing and career development are important, voters in the district want to be heard and engaged by their representatives. “At a minimum, we need to be in a position where we’re working great jobs, and that we’re preparing people to excel in those roles so they can support their families and build great communities. I don’t think it’s much more complicated than that,” he said in a phone interview Tuesday. Woodson presents himself as the candidate for change, critiquing Datcher’s ties to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. Woodson said in an interview Monday that Birmingham residents aren’t happy with the city’s homicide rates, neglected properties, and lack of attention to Birmingham’s west side. He said that he’s got the leadership experience in the private and public sector to lead that change. “If you like what you’ve been getting, go for that direction and you will get more,” Woodson said. “But if we want something better, then we have to embrace change.” Woodson also accused the Woodfin administration of not partnering as much with local churches and nonprofits, which he believes are crucial for strengthening families and reducing crime and proposed involving these organizations to help families and provide intervention for at-risk youth. Woodson said there is a need for comprehensive community collaboration to address issues in the district. “They won’t work with the people that are at the grassroots level, who deal with these kids and can send them a different direction. We have to get the whole team on the field, to bring leaders together to work in a concerted effort. That’s all that’s missing,” Woodson said. Datcher said his connections can be an advantage to serving the district, and that for change to happen, “our city councilors, our county commissioners, our mayors and our state legislators all have to be on the same page and all speak with the same voice,” and said that he is proud to have endorsements from current officials. “It takes a team approach in order to get this done and to ensure that our community gets the kinds of resources from the state of Alabama that we deserve. This is not a one-man band kind of a thing. This is a team effort,” Datcher said. The seat was previously held by Rep. John Rogers, who resigned from the House after agreeing to plead guilty to charges of wire and mail fraud and obstruction of justice in March. He was accused of directing hundreds of thousands of dollars for public projects in Jefferson County to a youth baseball league, with a portion of the money being kicked back to an assistant and former romantic partner. Rogers, first elected in 1982, was the longest serving representative in the chamber. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 26 in Birmingham. The seat is likely to favor a Democratic candidate. The last time a Republican ran in the district was in 2014, when Rogers got almost 77% of the vote against Republican nominee Phillip Bahakel, an attorney. The runoff winner will face Republican candidate Carlos Crum in the Oct. 1 general election. This story was republished with permission of Alabama Reflector. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
BCA throws support behind Kelvin Datcher in Birmingham special election
As reported by Yellow Hammer News, in the crowded primary to replace former State Representative John Rogers, the Business Council of Alabama’s ProgressPAC has chosen to endorse Kelvin Datcher. A BCA-supported candidate would be a drastic shift from the legacy Rogers leaves. In an article describing Rogers and his career AL.Com writers noted that, “Rogers is known for his bombastic, quotable comments and colorful clothing just as he is for his longevity in public office.” In 2019, during a debate over abortion when Rogers said Republicans were against abortion but refused to support children. His comment, “So you kill them now or you kill them later. You bring them in the world unwanted, unloved, you send them to the electric chair. So, you kill them now or you kill them later,” was widely condemned on both sides of the aisle with then Democrat Senator Doug Jones and even Donald Trump Jr. weighing in. In their statement, ProgressPAC Chairman Will Wilson said, “ProgressPAC proudly endorses leaders focused on growth and solutions, dedicated to moving Alabama forward. Our commitment lies in fostering a business-friendly environment that strengthens communities and generates employment opportunities across the state. We stand behind candidates devoted to safeguarding and empowering employers who drive quality job creation for all Alabamians.” The release goes on to say, “BCA’s endorsement of Kelvin Datcher is a decision rooted in his proven commitment to his community and his vision for a more prosperous future for all residents. With a track record of advocacy and service, Datcher embodies the qualities necessary to represent the interests of the district effectively. His dedication to addressing key issues facing constituents, like economic opportunity and education, reflects a deep understanding of the challenges facing Alabama families. Kelvin Datcher’s experience and vision uniquely position him to enact positive change and advance the interests of House District 52. His collaborative approach to governance, coupled with a commitment to bipartisanship, offers a promising path forward in addressing the complex issues that affect the district and the state.” Datcher has already received the support of Mayor Randall Woodfin, who posted a video message endorsing him on Datcher’s Facebook page. The House District 52 special primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024; the special primary runoff, if necessary, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024; and the special general election on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
