By: MARY SELL, Alabama Daily News
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Six Democrats and one Republican have qualified to run for the state Senate seat vacated earlier this month by Democrat David Burkette of Montgomery.
The Democrats are: Deborah Anthony; Linda Burkette; Kirk Hatcher; John Knight; Janet May and TaShina Morris.
Republican William Green also qualified, the Alabama Republican Party said.
The special primary election for Senate District 26 is Nov. 17. A special primary runoff, if necessary, will be Dec. 15 and the special general election is March 2, about a month after the start of the 2021 legislative session.
Alabama Daily News previously reported that Knight, a former long-time state representative who ran against Burkette in 2018, Morris, a current state representative, and Linda Burkette, David Burkette’s wife, all planned to run for the seat. State Rep. Hatcher also expressed interest in running.
David Burkette plans to plead guilty to a misdemeanor campaign finance charge under an agreement that would require him to pay a fine and waive his right to appeal, according to a plea deal filed this week.
Under its terms, Burkette, 63, would pay a $3,000 fine, and prosecutors would not seek restitution or demand a particular sentence. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 21.
Burkette, a former Montgomery City Council member, was elected to the Senate in 2018.