Kelvin Datcher

Party: Democratic

Political experience: Alabama state director for the Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign.

Professional experience: Deputy director community development for the city of Birmingham, 2017-present; also has worked at Alabama State University, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Jefferson County Health Department, REV Birmingham and the Birmingham City Council.

Civic experience: Has served in leadership roles in organizations such as the Birmingham Zoo, 100 Black Men of Birmingham and Sardis Missionary Baptist Church as a deacon; is a volunteer coach, tutor and mentor for young people

Education: Bachelor’s from Gettysburg College, 1992.

For more information: kelvindatcher.com

On the Issues

Kelvin Datcher did not respond to a request for information from BirminghamWatch before the primary election. 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.