Longtime incumbent Nancy Worley defeated Montgomery attorney Peck Fox as chair of the Alabama Democratic Party after Sen. Doug Jones (D-Mountain Brook) nominated and backed the challenger during the intraparty elections.
Minutes before the meeting, Jones shocked Alabama’s political world by announcing his backing of the leadership coup. Alabama’s junior senator signaled that he wanted change and lamented that the state’s Democratic Party had not helped him enough during his victory over Judge Roy Moore in 2017.
Until Jones’ sneak-attack-support came to light Saturday morning, Worley was expected to comfortably win re-election.
House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, who – unlike Jones – did not attend the elections, also supported the shakeup in leadership, as did prominent state Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa).
“Now is the perfect time for a transition,” Daniels said on Friday, via the Associated Press. “More than any time before these candidates need a strong party, a stronger party.”
Worley served as Alabama Secretary of State from 2003-2007 and was the party’s vice-chairwoman from 2007 until taking its helm in 2013. She is also a former two-term president of the Alabama Education Association (AEA).
In a statement, AL GOP Party Chair Terry Lathan congratulated Worley, adding “game on.”
“In an ALGOP Steering Committee meeting for a few hours,” Lathan said. “However, upon hearing the news, the committee cheered. Game on. I like our odds.”
“We congratulate Chairman Worley on her victory,” she added.
Fox is a political veteran in his own right, working for the late Sen. Howell Heflin in Washington, D.C. and for former Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom.
After losing today’s vote for party chair, Fox ran for vice-chair and was defeated once again.
This rift in party leadership comes months before the critical November General Election, in which the state’s minority party will attempt to elect its candidates over Republicans.
Jones has recently come under fire for not committing to back President Donald Trump’s nominee to the United States Supreme Court, Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Jones does not plan to meet with Kavanaugh before his confirmation hearing.
Worley asked members to get up. There was no counting of the people standing up. That is being appealed. #alpolitics
— Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) August 11, 2018
Now a call for a roll call vote on the chair. #alpolitics
— Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) August 11, 2018
Nancy Worley re-elected Democratic Party chair, 101 to 89. Immediate call for a point of information. #alpolitics
— Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) August 11, 2018
Votes for Worley pic.twitter.com/h3v62o29kp
— Kim Chandler (@StatehouseKim) August 11, 2018
People standing are voting for Fox. pic.twitter.com/7GmKv7rX9V
— Kim Chandler (@StatehouseKim) August 11, 2018
Voting for chair underway. Peck Fox supporters standing. pic.twitter.com/dMpFMnVDLJ
— Mike Cason (@MikeCasonAL) August 11, 2018
Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, seconded Jones’ motion. “The Republican Party beats up on us every day. I need someone in that chair who’s going to speak up for me and us.” #alpolitics
— Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) August 11, 2018
Jones says w/o Peck Fox, the party will keep the status quo. “There’s no money funneled to communications. There’s no money funneled to social media. There’s no money funneled to outreach or field reps.” #alpolitics
— Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) August 11, 2018
Spoke with Sen. Doug Jones about his support for Fox. Said the party does little in the way of GOTV, and that Democrats need to seize the opportunity presented in this cycle. I asked if he had counted votes: He joked there was “No New York Times needle” here. #alpolitics
— Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) August 11, 2018
Sen Doug Jones will nominate Peck Fox for chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party today in Montgomery. Jones said party needs new leadership. #ALPolitics pic.twitter.com/59isxbUBn7
— Mike Cason (@MikeCasonAL) August 11, 2018
Jones says the party needs change. He said the state organization party provided”no real support” during his 2017 win. Said his campaign developed the crucial target voter lists, outreach during the race.
— Kim Chandler (@StatehouseKim) August 11, 2018
Good morning from the Davis Theater in Montgomery, where the Alabama Democratic Party’s executive committee is meeting and where we expect a challenge to chairwoman Nancy Worley. This leaflet is being handed out at the entrance. #alpoliitics pic.twitter.com/WlJN1nimB9
— Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) August 11, 2018
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.