2024 Election
Datcher Overwhelming Victor in Special Election for State House District 52
Kelvin Datcher is headed to Montgomery to represent House District 52 after soundly beating Erskine Brown Jr. in a special general election Tuesday.
Datcher, the Democratic nominee, received 1,174 votes, or 84.1% of the ballots cast. Brown, the Republican nominee, received 218 votes, or 15.62%. Four write-in votes were cast, which accounted for .29%.
“I’m a little relieved and overwhelmed at the same time,” Datcher said at Elysian Gardens in Avondale. “This is literally the third campaign and election that we’ve had in 105 days – a primary, a runoff and now this general. It’s really exciting to have people support you and vote for you and give you a chance to represent them.
“It’s really humbling, particularly because we have real challenges in some of our communities,” the victor continued. “We have the opportunity to do something special, I think, and work very closely with other people.”
Brown, 67, said he was knocking on doors and distributing flyers last weekend and Tuesday morning. “I know it was kind of last minute,” he said.
“I know I’m in primarily a Democratic district, but I thought the race would be a little bit closer,” the West End Manor resident said, interviewed at his home. “At least people went out to vote. I’ve got two years now to plan a better campaign and a bigger campaign. I can’t say what position just yet. I might run again for this post depending on how he (does) this next two years.”
Tuesday’s special election was necessary to fill the seat left vacant when former Rep. John Rogers resigned and pleaded guilty in March to federal corruption charges.
Datcher’s celebration was more muted this time than it was when he won the runoff because Tuesday’s event wasn’t his alone.
“Our campaign partnered with the entire Jefferson County Democratic Party on this watch party for the vice-presidential debate,” Datcher said. “That was an exciting thing, us fostering a sense of togetherness. It’s essential that we work with other folks.”
Coincidentally, Datcher and Brown met one another at their mutual polling place earlier Tuesday.
“It was kind of funny,” Brown said. “I was coming out and right after I voted, and he was going in. We talked. He’s a friendly guy.”
