On Tuesday, Alabama voters went to the polls to select who they want representing their party in the state legislature. There were a number of competitive primary battles to watch on Tuesday.
In the Republican Primary:
In district 2 former state Senator Tom Butler won the Republican primary with 66 percent of the vote. Madison city Councilman Steve Smith had 34 percent.
In District 4 incumbent Paul Bussman, R-Cullman, was crushed by challenger Garlan Gudger. Gudger got 59 percent.
In District 6 incumbent Larry Stutts, R-Sheffield, received 47 percent of the vote and is in a runoff with challenger Steve Lolley 29 percent. Eric Aycock was the other challenger.
In District 7 Sam Givhan defeated Mary Scott Hunter 57 percent to 43 percent. Hunter serves on the state school board and could never overcome opposition to her controversial decision to vote for and support Common Core aligned the Alabama College and Career Ready Standards.
In District 8 incumbent Sen. Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, 79 percent defeated challenger Max D. Fuller 22 percent.
In District 10 state Representative Mack N. Butler, R-Rainbow City, 47 percent lost to Cherokee County cattle farmer Andrew Jones 47 percent.
In District 12 incumbent Senator Del Marsh, R-Anniston, narrowly held on to his seat 53 percent to challenge from Wayne Willis with 47 percent. Marsh is the Senate President Pro Tem and arguably the most powerful person in the state legislature. There is speculation that Marsh may run for U.S. Senator in 2020 or state office in 2022.
In District 13 Randy Price 47 percent will be in a runoff with Mike Sparks 37 percent. Tim Sprayberry was the third candidate competing for this open seat.
In District 21 incumbent Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, 80 percent soundly defeated challenger Frank Chandler Jr. 20 percent.
District 25 attorney Will Barfoot 64 percent defeated Montgomery County Commissioner Ronda Walker 36 percent for the open seat.
In District 32 Chris Elliott 39 percent will be in a runoff with David Northcutt 33 percent. Jeff Boyd and Bill Roberts were the other candidates running for the open seat.
In District 34 state Representative Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, 64 percent defeated Mark Shirey 36 percent for this open seat.
In the Democratic primary:
In District 2 Amy Wasyluka 67 percent defeated Michael Smith 33 percent.
As of press time, in District 7 it appeared that Deidra Willis had in excess of 49.9 percent of the vote but not the 50 percent plus 1 needed to avoid a runoff. If there is a runoff she will face Deborah Barros 36 percent. Johnathan Hard was the third candidate.
In District 26 David “Coach” Burkette 47 percent is in a runoff with state Representative John Knight, D-Montgomery, 33 percent. Montgomery City Councilman Fred Bell was the third candidate. Burkette is the incumbent having won the seat in a special election three weeks ago.
In District 33 incumbent Senator Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, 67 percent defeated challengers Tshombe Victor Crawford 26 percent and Michael R. Cooley.
The Democratic and Republican runoff elections will be held on July 17.
All the Senate candidates will be on the November 6 general election ballot.
