Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey announced the dates for a special election for Senate District 9 on Wednesday, following the resignation of long-serving Majority Leader Clay Scofield.
Scofield stepped down from his position on October 30 to pursue a new opportunity in the private sector, prompting the need for a special election to fill the vacated seat. Governor Ivey praised Scofield for his more than a decade of service, highlighting his contributions to the region and the state.
The governor has scheduled the special primary election for January 9, 2024, with a potential runoff set for February 6, if required. The special general election is planned for April 23, 2024. These dates set the stage for a competitive election season in the district that encompasses parts of Blount, Madison, and Marshall Counties.
Candidates aiming to run as a member of the major political parties must qualify by 5:00 p.m. on November 7, 2023. Independent candidates and members of minor parties are given until 5:00 p.m. on the day of the primary, January 9, 2024, to meet their qualifying requirements.
Governor Ivey’s office has expressed the importance of voter participation in this upcoming special election, emphasizing the impact that District 9’s representation has on the state legislature in Montgomery. With the election dates set, the focus now shifts to the potential candidates who will vie to be the region’s new voice in the Alabama Senate.
APR’s attempts to reach out to potential candidates for comment were ongoing at the time of the report. The coming weeks are expected to see declarations of candidacy as the political landscape of Senate District 9 adjusts to the impending change.
