By Gary Lloyd
JEFFERSON COUNTY — It was a strong general election for Republicans.
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley won another term, defeating Democrat Parker Griffith 64 percent to 36 percent.
In the lieutenant governor’s race, Republican Kay Ivey faced Democrat James C. Fields Jr. Ivey came away with 63 percent of the vote, winning another term.
In the race for attorney general, incumbent Republican Luther Strange faced off against Democrat Joe Hubbard. The race was close for much of the night, but Strange came away with 59 percent of the vote, winning re-election.
Vying for the U.S. House of Representatives District 6 seat were Republican Gary Palmer and Democrat Mark Lester. Palmer cakewalked to election, winning 76 percent of the vote. Palmer replaces the retiring U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus.
“I am honored that voters in Alabama’s 6th district have decided that I will represent them for the next two years,” Palmer said. “We have run our race without resorting to the ugliness of negative ads, without misrepresenting any opponent’s positions or maligning their character. We have run on ideas and solutions for getting America back on the right track and for solving some of our nation’s toughest problems.”
Incumbent Republican Joe Knight faced Libertarian candidate Ron Bishop Jr. for the Jefferson County Commission District 4 seat, which covers Clay, Grayson Valley, Palmerdale, Pinson, Trussville, Gardendale, Morris, Kimberly, Warrior, County Line, Trafford, and parts of Center Point, Irondale, Tarrant, and Birmingham. Knight won re-election.
There were three men vying for the Jefferson County sheriff position. Incumbent Mike Hale was the Republican candidate and has been in the position since 1998. He was challenged by Democrat Wallace Anger Jr. and Libertarian Willie Hill. This race was close until the near end, with Hale winning his fifth term with 55 percent of the vote. Anger garnered 43 percent of the vote.
For State House District 44, which covers Clay, Pinson, and Trussville, Republican Danny Garrett will take office due to being unopposed by a Democrat. The same can be said for State Senate District 17 Republican candidate Shay Shelnutt and State Senate District 15 incumbent Republican Slade Blackwell.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.