On Tuesday, former Montgomery school board President Charlotte Meadows won the Republican primary runoff election in House District 74 over U.S. Army Reserve Colonel and prominent bankruptcy attorney Michael Fritz.
“We did it!” Meadows announced on social media. “To my fantastic supporters, I can not thank each of you enough. To my amazing family that has supported me throughout this process, I love you and I appreciate your sacrifice. We are not done yet, I will need your vote one more time in November. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
There were some issues with the Alabama Secretary of State’s website so official results were delayed to the point that it was hours after Fritz had conceded, Meadows had declared victory, and the Alabama Republican Party has declared Meadows that the media got any results at all.
As of press time 15 of 17 precincts had reported and Meadows had 3,711 votes, 54.8 percent, and Fritz had 3,061 votes, 45.20 percent.
“On behalf of the Alabama Republican Party, congratulations to Charlotte Meadows on becoming our party’s nominee,” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan. “We are looking forward to working with her to ensure this seat remains in the Republican column.”
“Both Michael Fritz and Charlotte Meadows should be commended for running positive, issues-driven campaigns that avoided negative attacks and adhered to President Reagan’s famous 11rh Commandment,” said Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia. “Charlotte has my full support in the general election, and I know she will prove to be a valuable addition to the Alabama House.”
The House District 74 seat became open following the death of State Rep. Dimitri Polizos, R-Montgomery.
Provisional ballots will be counted on Sept. 3, 2019 and certification of votes will occur on Sept. 4, 2019.
Meadows promised on her Facebook page, “I will be a responsive and transparent representative and I am excited about the opportunity to serve the people of District 74. I hope to earn your support through this campaign, and I hope you’ll check back on our Facebook page for more information and volunteer opportunities.”
Meadows has been an advocate for education reform for the past fifteen years. Meadows has a degree in accounting from Auburn University and a Master’s Degree in Business from University of South Alabama. She served on the Montgomery school board and has been the outreach director for StudentsFirst, a national education reform non-profit. Meadows is co-owner of her husband’s medical practice where she has been the business manager. They have three children.
Meadows is an outspoken proponent of school choice in Alabama and is co-founder of the new LEAD Academy charter school that opened in Montgomery on August 15.
Meadows has the endorsements of both the Alabama Farmers Federation and the Alabama Forestry Association.
Meadows will face former Montgomery NAACP President Rayford Mack in the general election on Nov. 12.
