Longtime state Rep. Merika Coleman announced on Tuesday that she will seek the District 19 state Senate seat currently held by Priscilla Dunn. Dunn has made it clear that she plans to retire but has not yet made a formal announcement.
Coleman, who has represented House District 57 since 2002, said her familiarity with the constituents of District 19 would hopefully help her win their trust.
“I am extremely excited to make the announcement of my run for Alabama State Senate District 19, a district I have so passionately served and lived in a majority of my life,” Coleman said. “This community and state mean so much to me, and I hope the residents of District 19 will entrust their faith in me to serve as their state senator.”
It won’t be a cakewalk.
Rep. Louise Alexander hasn’t formally announced her candidacy but she has told several media outlets of her intentions to seek Dunn’s seat. Also, Rep. Rod Scott said that he is weighing his options. Both Alexander and Scott represent portions of District 19 currently.
Dunn has held the senate seat since 2009, but she has missed numerous legislative days since 2019 due to health issues. Dunn was absent for all of the 2021 Session.
