Brinyark, Cox Set For House District 16 GOP Runoff Tuesday

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Northport attorney Bryan Brinyark and Fayette County Commissioner Brad Cox are set to square off in the Republican runoff Tuesday for a chance to appear on the general election ballot for the District 16 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives.

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District 16 covers parts of Fayette, Jefferson, and Tuscaloosa counties.

As Patch previously reported, Cox narrowly edged out Brinyark in the GOP Primary, grabbing 1,216 votes or 32.96%, compared to 1,201 votes for Brinyark.

Cox saw his best performance in Fayette County, where he secured 1,017 votes, while Brinyark saw his strongest support in Tuscaloosa County, with 595 votes. Brinyark also performed well in Fayette County, pulling in 578 votes, which was more than every other challenger on the ballot combined, apart from Cox.

Fayette is likely to make the difference after posting the highest turnout during the Republican Primary. Indeed, 2,107 registered voters in Fayette County — roughly 16.68% — cast ballots during the GOP Primary on Sept. 26.

In terms of campaign finances heading into Tuesday's runoff, a total of $196,727.26 has been raised by the two candidates, with Brinkyark holding the fundraising lead with $103,055 raised, according to the Alabama Secretary of State's Office.

This is compared to the $87,594 raised by Cox.

On the expenditure side, Cox also trails Brinyark, who has spent a total of $91,260.18 to date, compared to Cox's $84,405.88.

Patch has reported extensively on campaign finances during this race, so here's a look at PAC and business donations received and reported by both candidates thus far during the month of October.

Brian Brinyark contributions

• ABC Merit PAC - $2,500
• EDUPAC - $5,000
• ET PAC - $1,700
• ET PAC - $4,750
• ET PAC - $5,500
• Leadership PAC - $4,750
• Leadership PAC - $5,500
• Leadership PAC - $1,700
• Progress PAC - $2,500
• State Farm Agents & Associates of Alabama PAC - $1,000
• Trial PAC - $2,500
• TELPAC - $5,000
• Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama PAC - $1,000
• Patterson Equity Investments, LLC - $1,500
• Law Office of Jason Neff - $1,000
• McCabe & Associates - $500
• GMA Properties, LLC - $1,200

Brad Cox Contributions

• Alabama Realtors PAC - $10,000
• Alabama Credit Union Legislative Action Council PAC - $5,000
• Alabama Forestry PAC - $2,500
• Trial PAC - $2,500
• Cunningham Bounds, LLC - $2,500
• Woodland Resources - $500

As a reminder, polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

The winner of Tuesday's runoff will face a Democrat John Underwood, a Fayette County commissioner, in the general election on Jan. 9, 2024.

Click the links below for Q&A's with each candidate appearing on Tuesday's ballot.

• Q&A: Attorney Brinyark Vying For House District 16 GOP Nomination
• Q&A: Fayette County Commissioner Cox Seeks GOP Nod For House District 16

Tuscaloosa Patch will have up-to-the-minute updates from the runoff, so stay tuned for results once the polls close.

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