Q&A: Attorney Brinyark Vying For House District 16 GOP Nomination

Editor's Note: This is the latest installment of our question and answer series with the candidates who have qualified to appear on the ballot for the special election in House District 16, which covers parts of Fayette, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties. The candidate profiles will be published in alphabetical order by last name.

NORTHPORT, AL — Northport attorney Bryan Brinyark is one of six Republicans and one Democrat who have qualified to appear on the primary election ballot on Sept. 26 to fill the open House District 16 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives.

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As Patch previously reported, the winner of the special election will fill the seat vacated by former Republican state Rep. Kyle South, of Fayette. If necessary, a primary runoff will be held on Oct. 24.

South stepped down at the end of the last regular legislative session to become the next president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

ALSO READ | Q&A: Democrat Secures Party Nomination For House District 16 Race

The winner of the Jan. 9 General Election will serve out the remainder of South's unexpired term, which will be up for election again in November 2026.

Bryan Brinyark

Biographical information

Age: 55

Professional experience: In addition to being a practicing attorney, Brinyark is a reserve municipal court judge for the City of Tuscaloosa and as the municipal court judge for the cities of Brent and Centreville, along with the Town of Woodstock.

Education: 1990 graduate of the University of Alabama and received his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1993.

Q: Why did you decide to run for office?

"This district is my home. This community helped me raise my five children, and I want to give back to the place and people that have given me so much. I prayed about this decision, and I am at a point in my career and life where I have the time to devote to this office. With my children now grown, I am not coaching them in baseball or helping with homework at night. I am ready to get to work. I should not complain about what goes on in Montgomery if I’m not willing to go help."

Q: What, in your view, makes you qualified to serve?

"I have been an attorney for 30 years and a judge for 23. I have been a business owner since 1997. I have owned my small farm in Windham Springs since 1999 where we raised livestock for market and show, in addition to growing produce which was sold at the farmer’s market each week. I have served and held leadership positions on several boards of directors for nonprofit organizations like Indian Rivers Behavioral Health, Friends of the NRA, and Tuscaloosa Shooting Sports. I have served on the Tuscaloosa County Bar Association Grievance Committee for many years and served as the Bar Secretary, Vice President, and President. I have the experience, work-ethic, relationships, devotion, and dependability to serve this district well on day one."

Q: What is the biggest individual issue facing House District 16?

"Jobs. The people in District 16 need more and better paying jobs to allow them to continue to live in the communities they love and not have to move. We must expand existing industries and small businesses, finding ways to ensure their future success. And we must never stop recruiting new business and industries which complement them. How do we accomplish that? We create more jobs by maintaining and expanding the infrastructure so critical to business success. This means better roads and highways, and access to fiber for the internet. Our district is a wonderful place, but we must update, improve, and maintain so we can all continue to live here for generations to come."

Q: What will be the first thing you will do once in office?

"The first thing I will do when I get to Montgomery is start expanding my relationships with fellow legislators and leaders throughout the state. Collaboration is necessary for progress in Montgomery, and I will be ready to build the partnerships necessary to get things done for this district. I will also ensure that lines of communication are in place so that I can easily hear from my constituents. I will always have an open door."

Q: What is something about House District 16 that you are proud of?

"The people. This district is made up of people that choose to live in mostly rural areas where their priorities are faith, family, community, and country. Those are my priorities as well. In our district we talk about the deer we have on camera, our kids, the high school football teams, and the mess in Washington. We know our neighbors because they have helped us, and we help them. We are proud of where we live, and it would be an honor to represent the people of this district."

ALSO READ | House District 16 Special Election Candidates Report Raising $45K In July

Q: What is the most common concern you’ve heard from constituents on the campaign trail?

"Most of what I have heard on the campaign trail comes from the national news…weaponized Department of Justice … the border … inflation … Critical Race Theory. These are important issues because they affect us on a local level. And we must respond by fighting crime and locking up violent criminals, fighting for new high-paying jobs and our share of the economy, fighting higher taxes, and defending our children’s education. "

Q: If elected, how will you approach working with the local legislative delegation?

"I know and have worked with the members of our local legislative delegation for years. They are my personal friends and colleagues. I believe that our existing professional working relationships will allow me to immediately be effective on issues in District 16. I can hit the ground running, delivering for the people of our district."

Q: How do you plan to work with the municipalities and different governmental bodies in House District 16?

"As a municipal judge, I am very aware of the complexities of municipal governments along with the county governments in which they reside. Though each has their own governing body, all must work together to be successful. I plan to focus on the strengths that each body has to offer to move forward on issues that are important to our district. I have the experience needed to bring everyone in local government to the table to accomplish the goals we have for District 16."

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