2024 Election

House District 52 Candidate Statements

BirminghamWatch asked candidates why they thought people should vote for them for the House of Representatives District 52 seat.

 Dedra Campbell

“I am not a politician but a concerned citizen seeking to be the change I want to see. It is more than a political party but the needs of the people. That is something that is often overlooked by those seeking political office.

“People need health care; women deserve to have autonomy over their bodies, and only they and their doctor make their medical decisions, not politicians.

Citizens deserve to have safe and clean communities. Citizens deserve to be seen and have political leaders who will advocate for them, value them, and use their position to fill the community’s needs. I am willing to serve the people and make a difference. This is why I am running.”

Eric Major

“My top three issues are crime, economic development and housing in District 52 and the broader Birmingham and Fairfield areas. First, crime in our communities is out of control. The Birmingham and Fairfield officials have been unable to address this, so I plan to leverage state resources for police departments at Miles College in the west and UAB in the east. By doubling coverage in these areas, we can make our communities safer. We must ensure our neighborhoods are safe for living, working and playing.

“Second, I will focus on economic development by enhancing education and attracting businesses. Schools are state-run, and I will fund programs that train our workforce for our health care-driven economy.

“Additionally, I will support incentives for businesses that bring jobs to District 52, just as I did with TeleTech previously.

“Lastly, I have two bills to improve housing. One is a state lending program for teachers, police and first responders. The other creates special assessment districts to help communities access the capital needed to improve housing quality. These measures will address the housing crisis and improve living conditions for everyone.”

Kelvin Datcher did not respond to a request for information from BirminghamWatch. Issues are taken from his website:

Public education: Increase teacher pay; cut classroom sizes in half; provide dedicated funds for music, arts and field trips.

Access to health care: Advocates for Medicaid expansion, provide health insurance for thousands of Alabamians and save struggling hospitals and clinics.

Affordable housing and community development: support home ownership funding initiatives; leverage tax credits to support pathway to home ownership for families; increase public transportation funding; support minority-owned businesses.

LaTanya Millhouse did not respond to a request for information from BirminghamWatch. Her campaign website does not include her positions on issues.

Eyrika Parker did not respond to a request for information from BirminghamWatch. She wrote on her facebook page when she announced her race for the Legislature: “I have a track record of responsible financial management, overseeing millions of dollars as Jeffersons County’s first black woman treasurer without a single discrepancy. My education, dedication and commitment to our community make me the ideal choice to represent you in the state Legislature.”

Frank Woodson did not respond to a request for information from BirminghamWatch. He calls himself a “solutionist” on his campaign materials and often mentions helping communities in many ways, from development and finances to education. “Having a strong community will always be important to me, I surround myself with everyone from different walks of life to not only engage but to also get involved,” he states on his campaign website.