Democratic voters in Alabama’s Senate District 26 went to the polls to decide their choice for state Senate. State Rep. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, narrowly missed winning the Democratic nomination without a runoff.
According to the preliminary election results, Hatcher will face former State Rep. John Knight in the special Democratic primary runoff:
- Deborah Anthony received 3.85 percent (202 votes)
- Linda Douglas Burkette received 10.32 percent (541 votes)
- Kirk Hatcher received 47.93 percent (2,513 votes)
- John Knight received 20.81 percent (1,091 votes)
- Janet May received 7.63 percent (400 votes)
- Tashina Morris received 9.46 percent (496 votes)
A total of 5,243 votes were cast, and 50 percent plus one was required for any candidate to avoid a runoff.
“My greatest hope and belief is that light will always drive out darkness,” Hatcher said. “We have to be better. We should seek to do better always. The negative energy we often direct towards each other only mortgages our children to further destruction.”
“I know only a few things for certain,” Hatcher said. “One such thing is that not a single human being holds the distinction of being perfect, but we are provided the grace to pursue perfection. It is in such a pursuit that my desire is to experience a sustained sense of a beloved community starting right here in Montgomery, Alabama. Today, let’s be that hope. Cast your VOTE for a brighter more hopeful future.”
“I have always fought for economic development,” Knight said. “I funded the revolving loan program for minorities and the Fairview Farmer’s Market. I also provided funds for the City of Montgomery’s public transportation program.”
Senate District 26 became vacant when Democratic Sen. David Burkette vacated his office after agreeing to plead guilty to using campaign dollars for personal use. The plea agreement came following a lengthy investigation by the Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office.
Knight gave up his seat in the House to run for State Senate. He was defeated in 2018 by Burkette, then a Montgomery city councilman. Hatcher and Knight will face each other in a special Democratic primary runoff election on Dec. 15.
The eventual winner of the Democratic nomination will face Republican William Greene in the March 2 special general election. Senate District 26 is a majority-minority district.
