Birmingham native, police officer and returning candidate Travis Hendrix locked down a high-stakes special primary runoff election on Tuesday night with 65% of the vote.
Hendrix won out against Alabama’s first openly-transgender candidate, Sylvia Swayne, who more than doubled his fundraising total. Despite being outraised and outspent, Hendrix said he’s grateful for the opportunity to represent his longtime neighbors.
RELATED: Hendrix gets new shot at District 55 seat in Tuesday special election
Notably, turnout in the predominantly Black district was greater than in the primary election itself by roughly 1,000 votes. The visibility around the unique race was heightened by exuberant ad spends by Swayne, critical of state leaders such as Attorney General Steve Marshall, and bankrolled by groups from outside the state.
With no Republican candidate on the ballot in the general election, Hendrix will become the next representative for District 55, which represents western Jefferson County.
RELATED: National LGBTQ groups investing in state House election
“Massive thanks to my exceptional team, my family, and all of District 55! I’m here to represent each and every one of you with passion and dedication,” Hendrix wrote. “Let’s make great things happen together!”
The special election was called following the resignation of former State Rep. Fred Plump, who plead guilty to federal charges related to a kickback scheme orchestrated by Jefferson County lawmakers.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
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