By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Republican Voters in Lee and Russell Counties go to the polls today to vote for whom they want to represent the party in House District 80.
Phoenix City council member Chris Blackshear, Russell County Engineer James McGill and insurance broker Tommy Pugh are all running for the Republican nomination for the seat vacated by the death of Leslie Vance.
Democrat Kenecia Battle has qualified to run on the Democratic ticket for the District 80 seat so the eventual Republican nominee will still have to run in the Special General election.
James McGill is a military veteran and was the Director of Economic Development for Russel County.
Councilman Blackshear told the Phenix City News: “I just think it’s important to give back to the community and Rep. Vance has done such a great job over the last 20 years when he was our representative in the state house and I just felt like now was a time to carry on what he started, build upon that and give back to the citizens of District 80.”
James McGill told the Opelika Auburn News that he is running for the District 80 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives because, “We need a strong, experienced conservative leader to represent us in the State House. I have a heart for this part of our state. This is my home and the people here are my friends and neighbors. I know how much we have to offer and I believe that I can provide the type of leadership that District 80 deserves.”
Tommy Pugh said, “I am proud and supporting of Lee and Russel County. My current service in the community has given me the desire to be the district 80 representative.”
Polls open at 7:00 am Central Time and close at 7:00 pm Central Time.
Original reporting by WTVM TV, the Opelika Auburn News, and the Phenix City News contributed to this report.
