Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation setting a special election date for Alabama's 27th Congressional District, which includes the areas of Arab, Guntersville, Union Grove and Grant.

Wes Kitchens, who had held the position since 2018, won the seat previously held by Clay Schofield on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, and is now the representative for Alabama State Senate District 9. He is in charge of

Schofield has served in the Senate since 2010 and was elected majority leader in 2020, but resigned in October after being named vice chairman of the Alabama Business Council.

For the 27th District, Mr. Ivey announced a special primary election for Tuesday, April 2, 2024. If a special primary runoff election is required, it will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

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“I commend Sen. Wes Kitchens for his exemplary service in the House of Representatives and call for a special election to fill the vacancy as he ascends to the Senate. It’s important to be able to maintain representation,” Governor Ivey said.

“I ask everyone in this district to make their voices heard by voting in this upcoming special election. Alabamians deserve fair representation in the Alabama General Assembly.”

The deadline for eligibility to join major political parties is Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM CST.

Michael Brauner is a senior sports analyst and contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP