GOP Sweeps Contested Tuscaloosa County Legislative Races

TUSCALOOSA, AL — There were few surprises Tuesday night for Tuscaloosa County legislative races, as Republican candidates expectedly saw little in the way of opposition at the ballot box.

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Incumbent State Sen. Gerald Allen, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, topped Democratic challenger Lisa Ward of Lake View, winning both Tuscaloosa and Pickens counties. When contacted by Patch following the win, Allen was driving but made it a point to first congratulate his son, the new Alabama Secretary of State-Elect Wes Allen.

Sen. Allen pointed out that the coming term will be the first time a father and son have served in the statehouse at the same time, before speaking of his own win.

"It was a very convincing win for the people of Tuscaloosa and Senate District 21 and very convincing that the voters of Tuscaloosa and Pickens counties to decide on good, sound public policies," he said. "The voters spoke convincingly and they made it clear it they wanted the state to go in this direction. There was a lot of hard work and a lot of good volunteers."

Ward congratulated Allen on his win and said she was grateful for the movement that brought people together, focused on singular mission of bringing awareness to the issues and raising exposure for communities that have been sorely neglected.

"It is my hope that those who fought so hard along side us and believed in our mission don't give up hope and know their worth," Ward told Patch Tuesday night.

After initially running unopposed in a special election in February to fill the House District 63 seat left vacant by State Finance Director Bill Poole, former Tuscaloosa City Council president and attorney Cynthia Lee Almond secured her first full term in the legislature in the closest race of the night, but still topping Democrat and attorney Samuel Adams with 66.21% of the vote late in the evening.

"I am beyond grateful to the voters in District 63 for allowing me to return to the Statehouse to represent our area," Almond told Patch Tuesday night. "I will work hard and make sure Tuscaloosa has a strong voice in Montgomery. I congratulate my opponent on a race well run and for offering himself in service."

In the race for House District 61, which covers parts of northern Tuscaloosa and Pickens counties, retired Northport Police Captain Ron Bolton snagged 88.46% of the vote with only a handful of precincts left to count to defeat Libertarian challenger Damon Pruet for his first term in office after winning out in a contested GOP Primary over the summer.

"I’m thankful to have the support of my friends and neighbors and look forward to the privilege of serving our community in District 61," Bolton told Patch.

Republican Bill Lamb, the retired longtime Tuscaloosa County chief financial officer, defeated Democrat Brenda T. Cephus to also secure his first term in the legislature, grabbing 71.44% of the vote.

"I’m most grateful for the confidence that the voters in House District 62 placed in me by their vote tonight," Lamb told Patch Tuesday night. "I pledge to represent them with the best of my ability. Together we can make Tuscaloosa and the State of Alabama an even better place to live, work, and worship. Thanks be to God, my wife, family , friends and the great people in our district."

Democrat incumbent Rep. Chris England and Rep. Curtis Travis both were unopposed in Tuesday night's general election, along with Rep. Kyle South, a Republican from Fayette.

Sen. Bobby Singleton, a Democratic from Greensboro, won big over Libertarian candidate Richard Benderson, while Rep. A.J. McCampbell, a Demopolis Democratic, rounded out the Tuscaloosa delegation with an uncontested win.

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff Ron Abernathy and District Attorney Hays Webb also won new terms in office after running unopposed this election cycle.

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