Kelvin Datcher wins Democratic primary runoff

On Tuesday, Kelvin Datcher won the special Democratic primary runoff over Frank Woodson in House District 52.

"Thank you District 52!! WE DID IT!!!!" Datcher said on social media after the win.

Datcher received 55% of the votes cast (831 votes); while Woodson received 45% (675 votes). Only 1,506 votes were cast.

Datcher is the deputy director of community development for the City of Birmingham. He previously worked as a policy analyst at the Jefferson County Health Department, as Chief of Staff for a Birmingham City Council member in District 6, for the Southern Poverty Law Center, and at Alabama State University. He also served as the Alabama State Director for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sander's 2016 presidential campaign.

Datcher is a deacon at the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Birmingham Zoo and on the Board of Directors for 100 Black Men of Birmingham. Datcher worked to secure a $50 million Choice Neighborhood grant for the community. He is married, has three children, and a 90 pound dog named Biscuit.

Datcher had the endorsements of both Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and the Business Council of Alabama (BCA).

Datcher will face Republican Carlos Crum in the special general election on October 1.

HD52 became vacant when longtime State Rep. John Rogers (D-Birmingham) resigned and admitted his role in a kickback scheme that defrauded underprivileged children who wanted to play baseball. Rep. Fred Plump (D-Fairfield) and Rogers long time legislative assistant and girlfriend also admitted their roles in the conspiracy which was uncovered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Prosecutors are asking for prison time for the 83-year-old Rogers. Rogers had represented HD52 since 1982.

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