Democratic candidate James Fields seized the party’s primary nomination Tuesday with an overwhelming 64.48 percent of Democrat votes-- over twice as many votes as any other Democratic or Republican candidate.
“I feel elated,” Fields said. “I’m so thankful the constituents of District 12 and the people of Cullman County gave us their support.”
Republican candidates Bill Floyd and Wayne Willingham will face off Dec. 18 in a Republican runoff election. Floyd took 29.47 percent of the Republican race with 661 votes while Willingham stood at 29.2 percent with 655 votes.
“I just appreciate everyone getting out and voting,” Willingham said.
Floyd said he feels part of his success was due to the people who campaigned on his behalf.
“I’m honored by those who worked so hard for me and by those who voted for me,” he said. “I will promise that I will not let them down in my attempts to represent them with integrity and reflect their values in Montgomery.”
Republicans hit the polls with 2,243 votes while 2,187 voters turned out for the Democratic race.
Local Republican party Chairwoman Joyce West said the party’s voter turnout was due to the candidates’ persistence.
“I think the turnout is due to these people getting out and working hard,” she said. “We had four good people out there and we’ll definitely have a run-off. We'll continue to work hard.”
Willingham, Floyd and Fields each said he looks forward to pushing on with his campaigns.
“I’m going to have to step back and look at what to do next,” Willingham said.
“We’ll be going ahead and working hard to enlighten people in the district that we are able to be positive, passionate and will have good leadership,” Fields said. “It takes effort and courage to be a leader but you can not be an effective leader without a sense of direction and purpose. ... God will lead us the rest of the way.”
Democratic candidate Sheila Kretzschmar followed Fields with 605 votes and Democrat Ed Flaig took 207 votes.
Republican Greg Johnson received 436 votes while Stephen Parker received 491 votes.
The general election to fill the House District 12 seat is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 29.
Former House District 12 Representative Neal Morrison (D) resigned his legislative post in August to take the position as interim president of Bevill State Community College in Sumiton. Morrison had represented District 12 since 1994.
With all boxes reporting:
DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
James C. Fields Jr. — 1,375 (62.87%)
Ed Flaig — 207 (9.47%)
Sheila Kretzschmar — 605 (27.76%)
REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES
Bill Floyd — 661 (29.47%)
Greg Johnson — 436 (19.44%)
Stephen Parker — 491 (21.89%)
Wayne Willingham — 655 (29.20%)
