MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Voters in Birmingham will have the chance to decide on the Democratic candidate for House District 52 in a special election today.
Candidates in the special primary are: Dedra Campbell, Kelvin Datcher, Eric Major, LaTanya Millhouse, Eyrika L. Parker and Frank Woodson. If no candidate receives 50 percent of votes, there will be a runoff election on July 16, according to a release from Gov. Kay Ivey’s office. The special general election will be on Oct. 1 between the winner of the Democratic primary and the sole Republican candidate, Carlos Crum.
The seat in the House is open because former Rep. John Rogers, D-Birmingham, was forced to resign amid federal corruption charges in March.
“To uphold public trust, integrity is imperative and accountability is non-negotiable,” Ivey previously said in a statement. “I encourage everyone in this district to ensure they have a strong voice of representation in the Alabama Legislature by getting out and casting their vote during this special election.”
Rogers pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. The charges are related to what federal prosecutors described as a kickback scheme that diverted money from a fund intended to pay for community projects in Jefferson County.
On the candidates:
Campbell attended Miles Law School and currently works in local government, according to her social media.
Datcher was endorsed by the Mayor of Birmingham and his campaign issues are access to healthcare, public education and affordable housing, according to his campaign website. He has been endorsed by the Business council of Alabama.
Major attended Birmingham School of Law and served in the State Legislature for eight years, according to his social media.
Millhouse was endorsed by the Communication Workers of America Local chapter 3902 and the Jefferson County chapter of Alabama New South Alliance, according to her social media.
Parker is the Treasurer for Jefferson County and attended Southern University Law Center, according to the county’s website.
Woodson was the president and CEO of CityServe Alabama in 2022 and 2023, according to his social media.