At the close of business on Tuesday, the Alabama Republican Party closed its candidate qualifying period for the Alabama House of Representatives District 49 special primary election.

This is the election to succeed former State Rep. April Weaver (R-Brierfield), who recently announced her resignation to join the Trump administration as a regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

ALGOP announced that the following individuals have qualified to run for the open District 49 seat:

Russell Bedsole
James Dean
Chuck Martin
Jackson McNeely
Mimi Penhale
Donna Strong

The district consists of portions of Bibb, Shelby and Chilton Counties.

The special primary election will be held on August 4. If a run-off election is needed, it will be held on September 1. The special general election will be held on November 17.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn