Laura Hall (D) and Paul Sanford (R) (WHNT NEWS 19)
Here are the latest numbers, with 56 of 57 precincts reporting:
- Paul Sanford (R) 11,984
- Laura Hall (D) 8,872
The last box is provisional ballots, and those will be counted at a later date.
Sanford, a newcomer to the political arena, is a restaurant owner. He runs Little Paul's BBQ on Madison Street. Laura Hall is a State Representative for District 19.
Sanford's win is not without controversy. Word came in late Tuesday afternoon from Secretary of State Beth Chapman that false information was circulated among voters, about when they were supposed to cast their ballots.
Chapman says someone circulated FALSE emails and fliers that state due to "heavy expected turnout" there will be two elections this week, one on Tuesday for Republican voters and another one Wednesday for Democratic voters.
"This information is totally false," said Chapman, who is Alabama's chief elections official. "The election is being conducted today and today only. There is no election being conducted on Wednesday."
If you have questions or concerns, you can contact the Secretary of State's Office at 1-800-274-8683 or visit the Secretary of State's web site.
Sanford celebrated the night with his supporters.
"wow, wow," District 7 State Senator-elect Paul Sanford said as he addressed his supporters.
Political newcomer Paul Sanford's first words as District 7's State Senator-elect.
The cheers from hundreds at his results watch party sum up what he already knows.
"I'm overwhelmed by the support that has just kind of spawned out of some crazy vision my wife and I had for me to run for public office," added State Senator-elect Sanford.
The local businessman told his supporters, comprised of family and friends, the journey to victory was long and hard, but worth it.
State Senator-elect Sanford told the crowd he's proud of the way his campaign was run. He feels things were done right by God, himself, and family.
The republican says those who know him understand what's happened over the last six months.
"God put this on my heart many months ago. He really challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, and stretch who I am as a person," added State Senator-elect Sanford.
The Alabama Republican Party congratulated their candidate on Tuesday night.
"Paul Sanford and his campaign worked tirelessly to make this happen, and we are happy that we had the resources to help them in their efforts," said Rep. Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn), Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.
"The voters spoke loud and clear today, and they told Montgomery that change is needed," Hubbard went on to say. "Senator Paul Sanford is a strong conservative who runs a small business, the voters felt that he is the best to represent them in the Senate and I agree."
