The Alabama Legislature is one step closer to adding two new members after voters decided Tuesday to nominate Republican Bryan Brinyark and Democrat Travis Hendrix as their party’s nominees for House District 16 and 55, respectively.
House District 16
While Brad Cox trailed Bryan Brinyark in the September primary election by just 15 votes, unofficial results from Tuesday’s runoff saw Brinyark receive 1,706 votes, 52.75%, against Cox’s 1,528 votes and 47.25%.
An attorney in Northport, Brinyark has experience in business, estate planning and divorce law, and has also served as a municipal court judge for the cities of Brent, Centerville and Tuscaloosa, and for the town of Woodstock.
While Brinyark could not be immediately reached for comment, Alabama GOP Chairman released a statement Tuesday night congratulating his victory, and welcoming him to the Republican delegation.
“Being a public servant is a true commitment and calling, one which requires great selflessness and sacrifice,” Wahl said. “I would like to thank all of our candidates for giving their time and talents to this campaign. I truly appreciate their desire to represent the people of House District 16 in the Alabama Legislature. On behalf of the Alabama Republican Party, I would like to offer my congratulations to Bryan Brinyark and look forward to working with him in the future as we mount a vigorous general election campaign.”
Brinyark now faces Democrat John Underwood, a retired Fayette Police officer in the Jan. 9 general election for the district that typically votes Republican.
House District 16 includes the entirety of Fayette County, as well as portions of Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties.
House District 55
In the crowded HD55 primary election in September, Hendrix received 27.91% of the vote to Sylvia Swayne’s 21.45%. In Tuesday’s runoff, Hendrix’s lead was much stronger, receiving 65.12% of the vote to Swayne’s 34.88%.
A Birmingham native, Hendrix is a sergeant with the Birmingham Police Department, and received a swath of key endorsements from state Democrats, including House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels and Brigham Mayor Randall Woodfin.
With no Republican qualifying for the HD55 special election, Hendrix is expected to go on to win the general election on Jan. 9 for the Birmingham-area seat.
“Grateful, District 55,” Hendrix said on Facebook Tuesday night. “Thrilled to be your representative! This journey has been incredible. Massive thanks to my exceptional team, my family, and all of District 55! I’m here to represent each and every one of you with passion and dedication! Let’s make great things happen together!”
The special elections were called by Gov. Ivey after the two seats became vacant earlier this year. In HD16, former Rep. Kyle South resigned to accept a job in the private sector, whereas HD55’s former representative Fred Plump resigned amid conspiracy and obstruction charges.