By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News
Republican Kenneth Paschal easily defeated Democrat Sheridan Black in a special election for the Alabama House of Representatives in District 73 Tuesday.
According to unofficial results from the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office, Paschal won with 75.26% of the vote.
Paschal, who will assume office once the vote is certified, becomes the first Black Republican lawmaker elected in Alabama since Reconstruction.
“I think they were looking for an outsider,” Paschal said of voters in the Shelby County district. “As I’ve said all along, we have too many politicians that can’t seem to get things done or stand up for what they believe. I’m running for God and country. I think that really resonated with folks.
“The voters of District 73 didn’t choose me because of the color of my skin. They got to know me. They saw a God-fearing man of integrity who values and defends our Constitution. But I do recognize the historical significance of what happened today. I hope to be an example to all Alabamians that the Republican Party is open to everyone who shares a belief in freedom, self-reliance, fiscal responsibility, and opportunity for all,” Paschal said.
Paschal served 21 years in the U.S. Army before retiring in 2006 and moving to Shelby County. He is a past commander of the American Legion and a member of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and the Shelby County Republican Executive Committee.
State House District 73 includes portions of Alabaster, Calera, Chelsea, Helena, Montevallo, Pelham and Brantleyville. District 73 was previously represented by Matt Fridy, who is now serving as judge of the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.