There will be a legitimate challenge for the top seat in the Alabama Democratic Party.
Montgomery attorney Peck Fox told APR on Tuesday that he plans to challenge chairman Nancy Worley. The party’s executive committee will meet on Saturday to vote on the chairman’s position and also fill vacancies throughout the state.
“The party needs to capitalize on the energy and enthusiasm that is out there right now,” Fox said. “I was approached by several office holders and asked to run. I’ve been pleased with the response so far, but we won’t know (about our chances) until Saturday.”
Fox faces a tough battle.
Worley has been the party chairman for the past five years and served as vice-chair for the previous six years. In addition, she enjoys the backing of the powerful Alabama Democratic Conference and its longtime chairman, Joe Reed.
Still, Fox isn’t exactly a newcomer to state politics. He served on the staff of Alabama Democratic U.S. Senator Howell Heflin and was the chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. He has also worked as an attorney for the state and served as a lobbyist for several years.
In addition, Fox’s candidacy comes at a time when Reed’s power over the party is at its lowest point and as a national push by Democrats in the wake of Donald Trump’s victory has spurred a youth movement in the party. Those two elements, along with momentum in the state following the election of Sen. Doug Jones last December, have led many to believe that a change in leadership at the top of the party is the right move.
