Kay Ivey schedules special election for House seat vacated by Kyle South resignation

Gov. Kay Ivey has scheduled a special election in District 16 in the Alabama House of Representatives, which includes Fayette County and portions of Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties.

Kyle South, a Republican from Fayette who had represented the district since 2014, resigned effective June 30 to become president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

Ivey scheduled the special primary election for Sept. 26, and the runoff, if necessary, for Oct. 24. The special general election will be Jan. 9, 2024.

“Rep. South has served the people of House District 16 well for the past nine years and will continue to do so in his new role as president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama,” Ivey said in a press release. “He certainly leaves big shoes to fill in the Legislature, but I am incredibly happy for him and confident he will continue serving West Alabama well. I encourage everyone in this district to get out and vote during this special election to ensure you have another strong voice advocating for you in the Alabama Legislature.”

The deadline for qualifying with major political parties is July 25 at 5 p.m. The deadline for all independent candidates and/or minor parties is Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.

The special election for House District 16 will be held in concurrence with the special election for House District 55 in Jefferson County, which was vacated when Fred Plump resigned in May and pleaded guilty to federal charges of wire fraud conspiracy and obstruction of justice.