7. Abortion ballot measures were meant to help Democrats across the country, it appears that may not have happened. In Florida, the ballot initiative failed even though it received 55% of the vote (60% needed to pass) BUT Trump dominated the state. Arizona’s Proposition 139, guaranteeing a right to abortion before fetal viability, passed, and Colorado’s Amendment 79 also passed enshrining a right to abortion and permitting public funds for related healthcare.
6. Birmingham City Councilman J.T. Moore apologized at a council meeting for his DUI arrest over the weekend, acknowledging his responsibility for the incident involving a city vehicle. Moore, chair of the Community Development Committee and a Public Safety Committee member, expressed regret but said he was “proud” to take accountability for his actions. Fellow councilman Clinton Woods offered support, acknowledging Moore’s courage to face the council and encouraging him to learn and move forward, even though it is unlikely a normal city employee could get support after a mistake like this.
5. Every Alabama ballot had an amendment related to Franklin County Schools being able to utilize land owned by the school system in Franklin and Walker counties for commercial development. It passed easily. An amendment in Cullman County would have taxed medical cannabis an additional 15% for additional personnel for the district attorney and mental health issues, but it failed 51.4-48.6. Also, Marshall County voters decided to become a “wet” county by voting 73.78% to 26.22%.
4. U.S. Rep. Barry Moore made a statement on Election Day by arriving at his polling place in a garbage truck, symbolizing his opposition to recent comments by President Biden, who reportedly referred to Trump supporters as “garbage.” Moore, who founded a garbage company, said his choice was a “friendly reminder” to voters of what he believes Washington, D.C., thinks of “everyday America.” Running for Alabama’s District 1 seat after redistricting, Moore emphasized that Election Day is “the true day to take out trash” and he won his seat easily.
3. Republicans gained control of the U.S. Senate and are aiming for a House majority, positioning themselves for unified power alongside President-elect Donald Trump. Trump celebrated the Senate victory as a strong mandate, with early wins in states like West Virginia and Ohio giving the GOP momentum. Key Senate losses for Democrats included incumbent Sens. Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Jon Tester in Montana.
2. Shomari Figures, a black Democrat, won Alabama’s newly redrawn Second Congressional District which was drawn for a black Democrat, defeating Republican Caroleene Dobson. The district was reshaped last year following a Supreme Court ruling that found Alabama’s prior map likely discriminated against Black voters. Figures’ victory marks a historic shift, as Alabama’s congressional delegation now includes two black representatives for the first time.
1. Donald J. Trump was elected the 47th president early Wednesday, securing victory with Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, surpassing 270 electoral votes. His win marks a major comeback after losing to Joseph R. Biden Jr. in 2020. Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat reflects another “historic” opportunity for a female Democratic nominee. Harris plans to address the nation later in the day as the post-mortem continues.
Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and from 10-11 a.m. on Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440, with a rebroadcast Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.
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