On Tuesday, just over 2,300 ballots were cast for the Republican primary in Alabama House District 45, left vacant by the death of Owen Drake in June. Irondale mayor Tommy Joe Alexander received the most votes, with a total of 936, or 39 percent.
“I appreciate the people getting out to vote and putting me in the lead,” Alexander said. “We will get busy on our campaign again tomorrow.”
He will face Dickie Drake, the brother of the late representative, in a runoff on Tuesday, Oct. 11.
“The people that have worked for me have been fantastic. I know I’m running on my brother’s name, but these people I’ve got have been phenomenal,” said Drake. “I can’t thank them enough.”
Michael Sumners, an Irondale businessman, received a total of 602 votes, or 25 percent. Drake said Sumners had pledged his support in the runoff.
“It’s not the ideal situation,” said Drake. “I’d like to have won it outright. Michael Sumners lent his support to me, so I certainly welcome that. … He’s been nothing but a gentleman.”
Only two ballot boxes were counted in St. Clair County, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Leeds and at Moody City Hall, a total of 223 votes. Drake received the most votes in both, with 74 votes in Leeds and nine in Moody. Alexander received 72 votes in Leeds, while Sumners received 63 in Leeds and five in Moody.
The winner of the October runoff between Alexander and Drake will face Democrat Paige Parnell, who is unopposed, in a November general election.
