Miller, Ross heading to runoff for Alabama House District 27 seat
MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala (WHNT) — Unofficial voting totals show that the race for the District 27 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives is heading to a runoff.
After Marshall County residents took to the polls on Tuesday, the Alabama Republican Party says Former Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Head Jeana Ross and Arab City Councilman Alan Miller will face off in a run-off on April 30.
Where to find shelter from severe storms in the Tennessee Valley
The district, which represents Arab, Guntersville, Grant and Union Grove, was previously represented by Wes Kitchens. Kitchens vacated the seat when he won a Senate special election in January.
Ross, a Guntersville resident, led Alabama’s Department of Early Childhood Education from 2012 until her retirement in 2020. A 26-year teacher, Ross said in her campaign news release that education will be a priority, but she will also address other issues of concern.
Miller is a member of the Arab City Council and a Redstone Federal Credit Union branch manager. In announcing his candidacy, the lifelong Marshall County resident’s campaign said he was ready for the next challenge.
The race pitted six Republicans against one another. There are no Democrats running in the election. The candidates in the race include Stacy George, Bill Hancock, Bill Stricklend and Billy Ray Todd along with Ross and Miller
GALLERY: News 19 celebrates longtime anchor Jerry Hayes retirement!
Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said the packed race was good to see and he looks forward to the next leg of the race.
“It was amazing to have so many outstanding individuals who wanted to serve our Party and represent the people of Marshall County,” Wahl said. “Congratulations to Alan Miller and Jena Ross for advancing to the run-off election. I look forward to watching this next phase of the campaign process. The Republican Party is committed to defending individual liberties and enacting legislation that puts people first. I am confident that both of these candidates will be strong leaders, dedicated to upholding our traditional, Conservative values and protecting the people of Alabama from the radical, left-wing agenda.”
George is a two-time candidate for Governor, who finished third in the District 9 Senate race. He’s a native of Arab. In announcing his candidacy George said he plans on “reclaiming God’s territory in District 27.”
Hancock is a Marshall County Board of Education member.
Stricklend is a former three-term Marshall County Commissioner and had a long career in law enforcement in Marshall County, including serving as the chief investigator for the Marshall County District Attorney’s Office. He currently serves as a trustee on the Arab Electric Cooperative. He is also a former president of the Association of County Commissioners of Alabama.
Todd lives in Guntersville. He is a U.S. Army Veteran and also worked for the VA before retiring. In his campaign news release, he said he is a fiscal conservative and wants to cut wasteful spending to eliminate any need for tax increases.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
