Last year’s shocking upset in which former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones defeated Republican stalwart Judge Roy Moore has energized Democrat like Democrats have not been energized in over a decade in Alabama politics. Not only are they targeting purple districts and vulnerable Republicans; but they are also targeting Republicans deep in Republican territory. Nowhere has been friendlier to Republicans that arch conservative Baldwin County.
Despite the daunting mission, Danielle Mashburn-Myrick (D) is actively campaigning to represent House District 94 in Baldwin County. Mashburn-Myrick says that her campaign has resonated with Baldwin County and energized voters in a district that has not been competitive in years.
“Ultimately, this campaign is about making sure that District 94 is heard,” Mashburn-Myrick said in a statement. “It’s been too long since we had a strong voice for this district representing us in Montgomery, and I want to change that. I’ve spent months talking to voters and hearing directly from them about the issues that are impacting their lives: pollution in Mobile Bay, a lack of affordable healthcare options, overcrowding in our schools. I’m ready to get to work for this district and our state.”
Mashburn-Myrick’s campaign has: received more than 360 individual donations since February – that’s six times more than her opponent; has not accepted any financial contributions from a PAC – 85 percent of her opponent’s contributions are from PACs and special interests; 7,000 constituents in District 94 were contacted by a team of volunteers canvassing and phone banking; and more than 50 volunteers have contributed their time and effort to help elect Mashburn-Myrick.
Mashburn-Myrick grew up in Baldwin County, is the daughter of a Southern Baptist Minister and college professor. Her mother formerly, was Fairhope’s Director of City Development and now owns Green Gates Market and Green Gates Market Downtown. She is married to Matthew Myrick. They have three children and moved back to Baldwin County in 2011. They attend St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Mashburn-Myrick attended Rhodes College in Memphis and has a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. She taught English with the U.S. Peace Corps in a rural village in Kyrgyzstan. She is an attorney with Phelps Dunbar and has done free legal work through the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program. She has also taught high schoolers the basics of credit through the Credit Abuse Resistance Education program and served on a statewide committee that helped draft anti-fraud legislation.
“I am running for office because it’s time for Montgomery to serve the people of House District 94,” Mashburn-Myrick said in a statement on her website. “After much prayer and thought, my husband and I have decided that our children’s future, and the future of all children in our communities, is dependent on our getting it right in the state legislature right now. We must turn the tide on the culture of corruption in Montgomery. We must take action to preserve our natural resources, to ensure our waters are clean both for our health and safety and for our local industries that depend on it. We must elect representatives who support our schools not just with words, but with legislation. When elected, I will work to ensure our state government gives our small towns and rural areas the support we deserve. Join me in bringing focused and energetic leadership, pragmatic problem-solving, and a spirit of public service to Montgomery.”
This is the first time a Democrat has even bothered run to represent District 94 since 2006.
Mashburn-Myrick is challenging incumbent state Representative Joe Faust (R). Faust is a 78 year old businessman and former county commissioner. He was first elected in 2004.
Baldwin County is the fastest growing county in Alabama, despite a high hurricane risk given the county’s exposure to the Gulf of Mexico.
The election is today. Remember to bring your valid photo-ID to the polls.
