The Alabama Republican Party announced today the opening of the qualifying period for the special election primary in House District 27. This marks the start of the race to fill the vacancy in one of Alabama’s key legislative districts.
Prospective candidates have until 5:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, January 30, to submit their candidacy. This deadline is critical for any Republican hopefuls aiming to represent the district in the Alabama House of Representatives. Aspiring candidates can register online at www.algop.org or in person at the ALGOP headquarters, located at 3505 Lorna Road, Birmingham, AL 35216.
The need for this special election arose following Wes Kitchens’ move from the House to the Alabama Senate District 9. Kitchens, who won a narrow yet decisive victory in the Republican primary for the Senate seat, left the House District 27 seat vacant. Kitchens’ win came in a race that saw no Democratic contenders.
Among the early declarations for candidacy is Jeana Ross from Guntersville. Ross, notable for her tenure as secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education under two governors, is one of the prominent figures throwing her hat into the ring.
The district, encompassing Arab, Guntersville, Union Grove, and Grant, has seen various political shifts and noteworthy campaigns in its history.
From a financial standpoint, the district’s elections have seen substantial funding. Over the past two decades, candidates vying for this seat have raised over a million dollars, emphasizing the district’s importance in Alabama’s political landscape.
Governor Kay Ivey has scheduled the special primary election for April 2. Should a runoff be necessary, it is slated for April 30. The concluding special general election is set for July 16.
