For the first time in more than a decade, Hartselle will send a Republican to the State House of Representatives.
Political newcomer Ed Henry, a Republican who positioned himself as a member of the Tea Party movement, defeated Democrat Kathy White Goodwin. Henry received 72 percent of the vote, or 9,945 votes, to Goodwin’s 28 percent, or 3,854 votes.
Henry replaced Democrat Ronald Grantland, who was first elected to office in 1998. He opted not to seek reelection, clearing the way for Henry.
Henry will become a freshman member of a historic session of the state legislature. Republicans captured the majority in the Alabama House and Senate, the first time since 1874 the GOP has been in control of both houses.
The Republicans will have 60 of 105 seats in the Alabama House and 22 of 35 seats in the Senate.