Democrats Crush It in Jefferson County Races: A Night of Wins!
Hey there, folks! If you were in Jefferson County last night, you probably heard the cheers and celebrations ringing through the streets. That’s right! In a thrilling series of elections, the Democratic candidates absolutely swept several local races, as unofficial results rolled in with an impressive 97.7% of the votes tallied.
New Faces on the Bench
First up in the spotlight is Frederic A. Bolling, who won the race for the coveted Place 13 seat on the 10th Judicial District of the Jefferson County Circuit Court. Bolling went head-to-head with Republican Douglas M. Roy Jr. and emerged victorious with a solid 54% to 46% finish. Can we get a round of applause for him? 🎉 This seat was up for grabs because Judge Carole Smitherman is hanging up her robe and retiring in January. With 26 years of law experience under his belt, Bolling is no stranger to the court scene, having been appointed a special circuit judge for Jefferson County back in 2017. He’s also a proud graduate of both Auburn University and Howard University School of Law!
Clerks and Treasurers Bringing Home the Wins
Moving to the circuit clerk race, Democrat Karen Dunn Burks pulled off a fantastic win against her Republican opponent, Camilo Fuller, capturing 55% to 45%. Burks is no newbie to the scene—she was elected deputy circuit clerk for the Bessemer Division back in 2012, and her dedication to public service runs deep in her family, as her late mother was Alabama Rep. Priscilla Dunn.
In another exciting race for Jefferson County Deputy Treasurer, Sherry McClain also snagged victory, securing 55% of the votes against Republican Delor Baumann. McClain has been serving as the deputy treasurer since 2013 and has previously held several pivotal roles in community affairs. It’s all about experience, right?
City Council Heroes
Not to be outdone, Bessemer City Councilman Ron Marshall scored a win against Republican Johnny Curry, edging out with 54% to 46%. This victory marks Marshall’s fourth term on the city council! After spending over 30 years in banking and telecommunications, he’s now the co-owner of Myriad Communications Network, Inc., and is making waves in the broadcast industry.
Probate Judges Take Center Stage
Even the probate court had some action! Yashiba “Red” Blanchard, another Democrat, triumphed with a tight 52% to 48% win over Republican John Amari for the Jefferson County Probate Judge Place 1. Blanchard is an experienced attorney who has also served as a special circuit court judge.
In the Place 2 race, Jameria Johnson Moore claimed victory with 53% of the vote against Republican Joel Blankenship. Moore wears many hats as an attorney, a municipal judge for Birmingham, and she’s even a registered mediator. Talk about multitasking!
The Takeaway
So there you have it, Jefferson County! It was a night of celebration for the Democrats as they made significant gains in local government positions. With a mix of seasoned professionals and passionate newcomers taking charge, it’s clear that the community’s voice is being heard loud and clear. Here’s to a promising future in Jefferson County assured by last night’s election results!
Stay tuned for more updates on how these new leaders will shape the future of your community. Cheers to democracy and the voices of the people!
