BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — As Donald J. Trump’s outsider candidacy reached its pinnacle Tuesday night, including in Alabama where he dominated a five-man field on the way to 40-plus percent of the vote, Yellowhammer State voters opted to re-elect incumbents in every notable race.
United States Senate:
Senator Richard Shelby took home roughly two-thirds of the popular vote on his way to re-election to a sixth term.
Congressional Races:
1st District: Congressman Bradley Byrne beat back conservative activist Dean Young for a third time.
2nd District: Congressman Martha Roby defeated Tea Party leader Becky Gerritson in what many political observers expected to be one of the hottest primaries in the country.
3rd District: Congressman Mike Rogers (approx. 75%) easily overcame a little-known and underfunded challenger.
4th District: Congressman Robert Aderholt also beat a little-known challenger, garnering over 80% of the vote.
Alabama Public Service Commission President:
Incumbent Twinkle Cavanaugh easily defeated former PSC Commissioner Terry Dunn.
Alabama Supreme Court:
Republican Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker blew out challenger Donna Beaulieu, garnering almost three-fourths of the popular vote.
State School Board:
In District 3, incumbent Stephanie Bell won handily over Justin Barkley, roughly 60%-40%. District 7 was the notable exception Tuesday night, as incumbent Jeff Newman finished in second (38%) behind Jim Bonner (44%) in a three-way race. The race will now go to a runoff.
Amendment 1:
The best news of the night for Alabama taxpayers may have been that Amendment 1 overcame its confusing ballot language to pass by a wide margin.
Amendment 1 said that it authorizes the Alabama legislature to provide a “retirement program” for new District Attorneys and Circuit Clerks. In reality, the constitutional amendment abolishes a pension program the officials already have, to which they make no contributions from their pay, and replaces it with a retirement structure similar to other state employees by requiring them to make contributions from their paychecks.
An analysis by the conservative Alabama Policy Institute found that the amendment will save taxpayers between $10-$15 million each year.
