The Alabama Realtors Political Action Committee (ARPAC) this week announced its endorsement of State Rep. Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery) for Alabama Senate District 26.
Hatcher is running against former State Rep. John Knight (D-Montgomery) in a special Democratic primary runoff for the SD-26 seat, which was vacated upon the resignation of then-State Sen. David Burkette (D-Montgomery).
In the recent primary, Hatcher narrowly avoided winning outright by garnering 2,513 votes (47.93% of the total vote). Knight trailed considerably, receiving 20.81% (1,091 votes).
“We are very proud to support Representative Hatcher for Senate District 26,” ARPAC chair Forrest Meadows said in a statement. “Hatcher has been a leader in the House of Representatives, and we are confident he will continue to advocate for economic development for Montgomery and the state of Alabama.”
A Montgomery native and former English educator with 17 years of experience, Hatcher currently is the director of Head Start in Montgomery County. He also represents the people of House District 78.
“Representative Hatcher understands the role of Realtors® in the development of communities and businesses in Alabama,” stated Jeremy Walker, CEO of the Alabama Association of Realtors. “We are confident Representative Hatcher will work with the Association and our members to develop legislation that connects communities and builds a stronger River Region.”
Hatcher accepted the ARPAC endorsement in a statement of his own.
“The connection between the real estate community and the growth of our city is important for the future prosperity of our economy and the residents of our community,” he remarked. “I am appreciative that the Alabama Association of Realtors® understands this connection, and I look forward to working with the Association to build a brighter future for the River Region.”
Along with the endorsement, ARPAC has contributed $20,000 to Hatcher’s campaign, per a publicly available filing.
The runoff will be held on Tuesday, December 15.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
