Stephanie Petelos Nabavian reelected as Chair of the Greater Birmingham Young Republicans
The Greater Birmingham Young Republicans (GBYRs) met on Thursday to hold their officer elections. Chair Stephanie Petelos Nabavian was elected to her second term as GBYR Chairperson, defeating challenger Christian Brown. “I am so happy to continue leading the Greater Birmingham Young Republicans!” Petelos said in a statement on Facebook. “The results last night, 85% in my favor, prove that our membership are excited to continue our path of growth, hosting unique events, and building a strong community of like minded and passionate young people. I am so thrilled about the exceptional new board I get to serve with! Thank you so much for allowing me to continue serving you!” Petelos told Alabama Today that in the last year, she grew the club to such a point that they were able to break off the Shelby County Young Republicans as their own group. She hopes to possibly do the same, creating other groups, perhaps Gardendale, in the future. “With kids and a long work day, it is asking a lot for them to get on Interstate 65 and fight traffic to get here (Vestavia Hills). Some of them aren’t able to do that,” Petelos said. Petelos is also the Chair of the Alabama Federation of Young Republicans. Petelos told Alabama Today that the COVID-19 global pandemic and the shutdown of the restaurants had a detrimental effect on the Young Republicans statewide. She said her goal is to grow the GBYRs to what they were a few years ago before the group’s more recent setbacks. Petelos previously was the Chair of the Federation of College Republicans. She recently got married and finished law school. She is the daughter of former Hoover Mayor and Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos. Her mother is a former Jefferson County judge. Brown said that running for the position was a “learning experience.” Josh Cox was elected Vice Chair, and Taylor Martin was elected Secretary. In other business, the group voted to hold the GBYR Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 12, at the Fish Market Restaurant in downtown Birmingham. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen (R) is expected to be the speaker. New Jefferson County Commissioner Mike Bolin (R) addressed the group. “This is a treat for me to come meet with the yrs because I missed this when I was coming through,” Bolin said. Bolin is a former Jefferson County Probate Judge and a former Alabama Supreme Court Justice. He was elected to the Jefferson County Commission this summer in a special election when Steve Ammons left the Commission to accept a new position. “Some of you here will hold elected office,” Bolin said. “It might be county commissioner, it might be a judge, it might be governor.” Eric Lee discussed the special election coming up in January in House District 16. HD16 represents part of western Jefferson County, Northern Tuscaloosa County, and Fayette County in the Alabama House of Representatives. Republican Brian Brinyark faces Democrat Bubba Underwood. The seat was previously held by Rep. Kyle South (R-Fayette), who left on July 1 to accept a role with the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. Lee said he is working with Terry Richmond and the Jefferson County Republican Party to help get out the Republican vote for that special election to elect Brinyark. They need phone bankers to call Republican voters in HD16 to remind them to come to the polls. Lee said that the next meeting of the Jefferson County Republican Party Executive Committee is November 21 at the Homewood Public Library. 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
Terri Sewell applauds Gov. Kay Ivey’s approval of controversial West Alabama Highway project
On Monday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey approved the West Alabama Highway project, signing the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) contracts to proceed with the five-laning. Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07), who represents much of the area, applauded the governor’s action. Sewell said on the social media platform known as X, “I applaud @GovernorKayIvey for approving the West Alabama Corridor Project. This project will bring much-needed jobs and economic development to communities in the Black Belt. Allowing it to move forward was the right thing to do.” The contracts to proceed with the project were held up for 45 days by the Legislature’s Contract Review Committee. State Senator Chris Elliott (R-Daphne) held up the contracts because he argued that the expensive projects would slow the timeline on other projects like widening Interstate 65. “They are trying to lock this down while she (Ivey) is still in there,” Elliott said. Elliott was also concerned about the lack of federal support for the project. “They never asked,” Elliott said of ALDOT. “They are not going to ask. They said something about getting those federal grants is too difficult, and they have not had luck in the past.” Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth also opposes the project in a rare public rift with the Governor. The dispute centers around a nearly $75 million contract to design the 83 miles of widening of the road necessary to make it five lanes from Mobile to Florence. The controversial project broke going toward that project, which broke ground in 2021. It aims to widen a two-lane roadway to four lanes and connect Thomasville to Tuscaloosa. Much of the money to build the project will be borrowed by the state. On Thursday, West Alabama leaders held a rally at the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce where they argued that the project was necessary and will both improve the quality of life and economic development for the region. Kyle South is the President and CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. “We stand in support of the investment project known as the West Alabama Highway,” President South said. “We want the West Alabama Highway project to move forward without any further delays.” The Legislature’s Contract Review Committee cannot block a contract. All they can do is draw attention to a contract they find questionable by placing a hold on the signing of the contract. Once 45 days have passed, the Governor can sign the contract anyway, as Gov. Ivey did on Monday. The full committee did not vote to place the hold on the contract. Instead, Committee Chairman Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) kept in place a committee policy where a single member can hold up a contract, which is what Elliott did. Elliott kept his hold in place for the 45-day maximum period of time. Terri Sewell has represented the Seventh Congressional District since 2011. 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.
Special primary voters in House District 16 and 55 go to the polls today
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.
Energy Institute says burying coal ash ponds on site is both legal and safe
On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a public hearing in Montgomery to consider whether or not coal ash should be disposed of onsite at coal-burning power plants, many of which have been or are shutting down or moved offsite. Blake Hardwich is the Executive Director of the Energy Institute of Alabama (EIA). Hardwich released a statement following her remarks at the EPA hearing on the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) program: “It’s important for the public and policymakers to understand that closing in place is a legal and safe approach for dealing with coal ash,” Hardwich said. “As independent studies show, the technology and engineering capabilities exist to seal this material where it is now in a way that is environmentally responsible. In fact, roughly half of all coal ash in the South is being sealed safely in place.” “This is good news for Alabama, as our state’s power providers don’t need to create new environmental hazards by trucking millions of tons of coal ash, over decades, to yet unnamed communities, requiring more landfill space,” Hardwich said. “EIA stands in support of upholding ADEM’s CCR program and its requirements.” The 2015 Coal Combustion Residuals Rule set federal rules against coal ash pollution. The protections were the result of more than a decade of litigation by environmental groups. Coal ash is the remains of coal burning in power plants. Environmentalists claim that coal ash contains a hazardous brew of toxic pollutants, including arsenic, boron, cadmium, chromium, lead, radium, selenium, and more. They claim that the toxins in coal ash can cause cancer, heart disease, reproductive failure, and stroke and can inflict lasting brain damage on children. These groups also claim that leaving the ponds in place would be a violation of the Clean Water Act and the Coal Combustion Residual Role. A point that ADEM, the Public Service Commission, and the EIA dispute. The hearing was disrupted when a woman, Anne DiPrizio, senselessly poured water on the head of West Alabama Chamber of Commerce President Kyle South – formerly a state representative. South had testified in his support of the state of Alabama’s plan. The EPA has proposed rejecting the state of Alabama’s plan and instead requiring the power companies to dig up the ponds and remove the coal ash to other sites. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Meet the candidates running in the House District 16 special election
by Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector With about a week left before the special primary election for House District 16, candidates in the crowded field are preparing to go head-to-head when voters cast their ballots on September 26. Five Republicans will compete for the party nomination, and if none of the candidates win at least 50% of the vote, a runoff for the two top candidates will be held on October 24. The district takes in Fayette County in north central Alabama, as well as northern Tuscaloosa County and western Jefferson County. The candidate who wins — either with 50% in the primary or in the runoff — will face Democratic candidate John Underwood in the General Election for the seat in January. Former Rep. Kyle South, R-Fayette, who assumed office in 2014, stepped down June 30 to become the CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce as CEO. During his time in the Alabama House of Representatives, he served as vice chair for the Ways and Means General Fund and was a member of several other committees. South won House District 16 with 75% of the vote in 2014. He ran unopposed in 2018 and 2022. A special runoff, if necessary, is scheduled for October 24. The special general election will be held on January 9, 2024. The special primary election for House District 55, which Rep. Fred Plump, D-Fairfield, resigned in May after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy and obstruction of justice, will be held on the same day. The Candidates Brad Cox Brad Cox, Republican candidate for House District 16. Age: 33 Residence: Fayette Occupation: Banker at Alabama ONE Credit Union. Before, Cox was a high school teacher. Education: B.S., Agricultural Education, Auburn University, 2012; M.A., Agricultural Education, Auburn University, 2013. Party: Republican Previous political experience/campaign: Fayette County Commissioner, District 1, 2021-present. Fundraising: Cox has raised $47,544 and spent $38,185 as of September 15. Cox is the candidate with the most contributions from PACs, totaling $33,000 from 13 PACs. His largest contributors are Alabama Voice of Teachers for Education (AVOTE), a PAC affiliated with the Alabama Education Association, and the Alabama Credit Union Legislative Action Council. Each donated $5,000. Cox said that it’s time for young, conservative Republicans to “step up to the plate and throw their hat in the ring.” He said that he’s passionate about public service, and he feels that his set of personal and professional experience will complement the position. Citing his prior experience as a high school teacher, Cox said he wants to expand tech training for young Alabamians. By training young folks for high-paying, tech jobs, he hopes to keep young talent in his district and in Fayette County, which reported population losses in the 2010 and 2020 censuses. “As I’ve knocked on doors, met with stakeholders in the communities, it’s a lot of gray hair, and in a lot of ways, that’s good, but I think we’ve got to expand and grow our industry and job opportunities for people in this district,” Cox said. He also said that infrastructure has been at the forefront as a county commissioner, which he said feeds into another priority for his campaign: business development. “A lot of the time, rural Alabama kind of gets left out of the equation with funding and infrastructure projects. In my eyes, if we want to recruit business and industry to this area, we’ve got to have infrastructure,” he said. Greg Fanin Greg Fanin, Republican candidate for House District 16. Age: 54 Residence: Berry Occupation: Retired munitions and ordnance specialist with the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. Education: B.S., Public Administration, Samford University, 1994; Associate’s degree in munitions and ordnance from the Community College of the Air Force, 1998. Party: Republican Previous political experience/campaign: First-time candidate for political office. Fundraising: Fanin has raised $27,371, with $23,000 coming from Fanin. As of September 8, he spent $24,938. As a retired veteran, Fanin said he has the capacity to put his focus entirely on serving the district. He wants to see an industrial park, an area meant to attract investment and create employment, and for continued infrastructure projects on U.S. Highway 43 and State Route 13, two of the major roads running through Fayette. “We’ve got to have folks. We’ve got to have those roads widened. We got to, or it’s going to be unsafe,” he said. Besides infrastructure, Fanin sees workforce development as his district’s greatest need. He said there is a coal mine coming to Fayette County that has the potential to bring in a significant amount of jobs, and building infrastructure will support workforce development. “We’ve got the jobs opening up every day,” he said. “We need infrastructure because our little towns and our communities are going to be booming.” He said that to get these things done; the district needs someone who can dedicate their full time to working in Montgomery, which he said he is able to do. He said that other candidates have at least one job and asked, “When do you have time to do anything?” Floyd Rodgers, Jr. Floyd Rogers Jr., Republican candidate for House District 16. Age: 40 Residence: Fayette Occupations: Coordinator, Alabama Communities of Excellence for the City of Fayette, a program from the Alabama League of Municipalities, an association of cities and towns; minister; business owner. Education: Technical certificate in quality assurance supervision from Southwest Tennessee Community College, 2010; Church leadership certificate in biblical ministry from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 2021. Party: Republican Previous political experience/campaigns: Candidate, Fayette City Council Ward 2, 2020. Fundraising: As of September 15, Rodgers had not submitted campaign finance reports. Rodgers said that he often feels like the elephant in the room. People often tell him they don’t see many Black Republicans, and among his peers, he’s often the only conservative in the room. But he sees that as an opportunity to “connect with everyone, on every level.” He said from conversations he’s had with voters, people are tired of
Republicans seek appointments in Jefferson County
The Mid-Alabama Republican Club (MARC) met on Saturday for their regular meeting and a legal briefing on the Congressional redistricting case in federal court by attorney Albert “Bert” Jordan. Hoover City Council President John Lyda is the President of MARC. Former State Representative Johnny Curry asked the MARC members to write Governor Kay Ivey on his behalf. “My name is Johnny Curry – I seek appointment by the Governor to tax assessor for the Bessemer Cutoff,” Curry said. “Currently, there are no Republicans in the Bessemer Courthouse. I served four terms in the Alabama Legislature representing Hueytown.” “I am not the only Republican seeking the office,” Curry said. “I can win reelection.” Appointments are up to Gov. Ivey. Ivey is a Republican, but some Republicans have criticized her in the past for appointing Democrats in Democrat-controlled areas of the state – areas like Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Tax Collector’s Office in the Bessemer Division became open following the sudden death of Assistant Tax Collector Eric Burks in July. Former Judge Brian Huff was also at the MARC event. He is also seeking an appointment from Gov. Ivey. Huff said that he previously was a Jefferson County judge appointed by Gov. Fob James and then elected in 1998. “I lost in 2012 along with all the other Republicans,” Huff said. “Now a vacancy has opened in divorce court in Place 1 in Jefferson County.” “My name went down to Governor Ivey on Wednesday with three other peoples,” Huff said. “I think the bench is important in Jefferson County.” “I would appreciate any support that you can give me,” Huff said. Huff is currently in private practice. He is a former Circuit Judge at Jefferson County Family Court. He is a graduate of Gardendale High School and West Birmingham Christian School. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and a law degree from the Birmingham School of Law. Greg Fanin is running in a special election for Alabama House District 16, which was vacated by Rep. Kyle South when South accepted a position as head of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. Fanin said that he became a Republican in the 1980s. “I was a Reagan Republican,” Fanin explained. “I served in the Army.” “I am asking for your vote,” Fanin said. “September 26 is the date.” HD16 includes parts of Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, and Fayette Counties. “I have a super strong connection to Jefferson County,” Fanin said, citing attending school in the county growing up. “I am asking for your support.” Fanin is a veteran of both the Army and the Air Force. He currently serves as the Commissioner of Coal Mines (ASMC) appointed by Gov. Ivey. He is a real estate appraiser and President of Gemini GEM Inc. He is the father to two daughters, Erin and Meg. He attends the Church of the Highlands. Allison Hepola is the head of the Republican Women of Shelby County. She asked for members of the MARC to support the club in its ongoing efforts to elect Republicans. Hepola was also soliciting signatures so Florida Governor Ron DeSantis could have ballot access in Alabama’s upcoming Presidential primary on March 5. Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight thanked the members of the MARC for their help electing former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Mike Bolin in a special election last month to fill an open position on the county commission. The GOP victory means that the Republicans maintain their narrow 3 to 2 control over the County Commission. Chris Brown is the Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. Brown similarly thanked the group for their efforts in electing Bolin to the Commission. “I am very proud f the cooperation we got from the Alabama Republican Party,” Brown said. “The Jefferson County GOP knocked on over 2,000 doors in three weeks.” Brown also thanked U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville for recording a robo-call to remind voters to get out and vote for Judge Bolin. The Republican Party lost its last countywide elected official in Jefferson County in 2018 when Sheriff Mike Hale (R) was unseated by Mark Pettway. Gov. Ivey defeated Democratic nominee Yolanda Flowers 67.38% to 29.36% in 2022, but Ivey lost Jefferson County to Flowers. Brown was unmoved by the last decade of history, saying that if you look at where the growth is in Jefferson County, Gardendale, Trussville, Vestavia, and Hoover, are Republican areas. “I think we are at a point where we can flip the county back to the Republicans,” Brown declared. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Republican Party qualifying for Alabama House Special Elections opens July 17
The Alabama Republican Party announced on Tuesday that qualifying for the Alabama Republican Party Special Election Primaries in Alabama House of Representatives Districts 16 and 55 will not open until Monday, July 17, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. CDT. The qualifying period will end a week later, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. CDT. The Alabama Republican Party advises anyone wishing to qualify for the Republican ballot can do so online at www.algop.org or in person at ALGOP headquarters (3505 Lorna Road in Hoover during the qualifying period. You can also receive more information about the qualifying process by calling ALGOP headquarters at 205.212.5900. To qualify for either seat with the Alabama Democratic Party, call their headquarters in Montgomery at 334 262-2221. The Special Election Primary for both seats will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. The deadline for all independent candidates and/or minor parties to turn in their qualifying paperwork, including ballot access petitions to the Secretary of State’s office is Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. If a Republican or Democratic run-off election is needed, it will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The General Election will take place on January 9, 2024. The seat in House District 16 covers portions of Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, and Fayette Counties. It became vacant when Rep. Kyle South – a Republican ‘ became the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. House District 55 is located in Jefferson County. The seat became open when Rep. Fred Plump – a Democrat – resigned after pleading guilty to federal wire fraud conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges. Before the two vacancies, the composition of the Alabama House of Representatives was 77 to 28, with Republicans holding a filibuster-proof super majority. There are currently no independents or minor party candidates holding office in either House of the Alabama Legislature. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gov. Kay Ivey announces Special Election dates for House District 16
On Friday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation to set special election dates for Alabama House District 16. This seat was previously held by State Representative Kyle South (R-Fayette), who resigned to accept a position as the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. “Rep. South has served the people of House District 16 well for the past nine years and will continue to do so in his new role as president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama,” said Gov. Ivey. “He certainly leaves big shoes to fill in the Legislature, but I am incredibly happy for him and confident he will continue serving West Alabama well. I encourage everyone in this district to get out and vote during this special election to ensure you have another strong voice advocating for you in the Alabama Legislature.” The special primary election will be Tuesday, September 26, 2023. The special primary runoff, if necessary, will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. House District 16 is considered a majority Republican district, so the winner of the Republican primary will likely be elected. The special general election is set for Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The deadline for qualifying with the two major political parties is Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. The deadline for all independent candidates and/or minor parties to turn in their qualifying paperwork, including ballot access petitions to the Secretary of State’s office is Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. The special election for House District 16 will be held in concurrence with the special election for House District 55 in Jefferson County. HD55 became vacant when State Rep. Fred Plump (D-Birmingham) resigned after agreeing to plead guilty to Federal corruption charges. House District 16 includes portions of Fayette, Jefferson, and Tuscaloosa counties. The Legislature will meet next on July 17 to consider court-ordered congressional redistricting changes. Neither HD16 nor HD55 will have representation in place by then. Both seats will be filled, however, by the start of the 2024 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter announces committee appointments
On Friday, State Representative Kyle South (R-Fayette) resigned from the Alabama House of Representatives to take a job as the President and CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. This move created vacancies in the committees on which he served. Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) announced his appointments to fill those committee vacancies. Effective July 1, these House members will be appointed to the following committees: Rules Committee: Rep. Debbie Wood (R—Valley) Ways and Means General Fund Vice Chair: Rep. Chris Blackshear (R—Smiths Station) Ways and Means General Fund Committee: Rep. Kerry Underwood (R—Tuscumbia) Insurance Committee: Rep. Matt Woods (R—Jasper) Financial Services Committee: Rep. James Lomax (R—Huntsville) Joint Transportation Committee: Rep. Rhett Marques (R—Enterprise) ARPA Oversight Committee: Rep. Jeff Sorrells (R—Hartford) South’s departure had been announced weeks ago, giving the Speaker plenty of time to plan for making these appointments. Governor Kay Ivey will soon announce the dates for the special election to fill the vacancy in House District 16. There are now two vacancies in the 105-member House of Representatives. The other is in House District 55, where former Rep. Fred Plump (D-Birmingham) resigned and pleaded guilty to public corruption charges. The Alabama Legislature will meet on July 17 for its second special session to address court-ordered congressional redistricting. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Nathaniel Ledbetter announces appointments to the Reapportionment Committee
On Tuesday, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter announced that he had appointed a number of House members to serve on the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment. The House members appointed are: Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa) Barbara Boyd (D-Anniston) Jim Carns (R-Birmingham) Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) Corley Ellis (R-Columbiana) Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) Laura Hall (D-Huntsville) Sam Jones (D-Mobile) Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn) Chris Pringle (R-Mobile) Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville). Since this is a joint committee, it is also made up of members of the Senate. The appointment of 11 members from the House would indicate an expansion of the committee. According to the committee website, the joint committee has just six members: Sens. Steve Livingston, Dan Roberts, and Bobby Singleton, and Reps. Kyle South, Laura Hall, and Chris Pringle. South is leaving the Legislature at the end of the month to accept a position as President and CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. Presumably, the Senate will now appoint another eight joint committee members. The Joint Committee on Reapportionment normally redistricts the congressional districts, the state board of education districts, and legislative districts every ten years following the decennial census. In 2022 a three-judge panel of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Alabama’s 2021 congressional redistricting as being in violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Alabama appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which earlier this month found that the lower court was correct in its interpretation and has restored the lower court’s ruling that the state is in violation of the Voting Rights Act. The three-judge panel has given the Legislature until the middle of next month to submit a new congressional redistricting of the state to the federal court. The three-judge panel has ordered the Legislature to submit a new map where there are two majority-minority districts or something as close to that as possible. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is expected to call a special session no later than July 17 to attempt to comply with the court order. If the Legislature cannot reach an agreement on a redistricting plan by July 21 or the Court does not like the State’s plan, then the three-judge panel may appoint a special master who will draw the districts for the state. Republicans currently control six of Alabama’s congressional seats, while Democrats control only the Seventh Congressional District. None of the seven congressional races were competitive in the general election last year. The redistricting could make two of those districts winnable for Alabama Democrats. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
