St. Clair Commission Chair Wins by 72 Votes as Tight Runoffs Sweep Central Alabama

*TL;DR: David Evans won the St. Clair County Commission chair by 72 votes, underscoring how close this primary cycle has been across central Alabama.

Voters in central Alabama faced a packed primary ballot on Tuesday, deciding sheriffs, school superintendents, commission seats and tax measures. The outcomes revealed a pattern of narrow victories and decisive rejections.

In St. Clair County, challenger David Evans unseated incumbent Stan Batemon by just 72 votes, the smallest margin recorded in the region’s commission races. The win flips control of the county’s governing board and forces the defeated incumbent to reassess his political future.

A similarly tight race unfolded in Shelby County Schools, where Andrew Gunn defeated Joel Dixon by fewer than 400 votes to become superintendent. The narrow win signals a divided electorate on education leadership.

Walker County voters rejected both school‑tax proposals, with roughly 71% voting against and 29% in favor. The defeat halts any new funding streams for local schools and forces the board to explore alternative financing.

Other counties saw clearer outcomes. Bibb County re‑elected Superintendent Kevin Cotner with just over 60% of the vote, while Calhoun County Sheriff Falon Hurst captured nearly 79% in a three‑way race. In Coosa County, Matthew Reams filled a vacant commission seat, and in Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway won with about 75% support.

Runoffs remain pending in several districts, including Bibb County Commission District 2 and Calhoun County Commission District 4, where Tobi Burt edged incumbent Terry Howell by 24 votes. These pending contests could shift local power balances before the November general election.

The prevalence of sub‑500‑vote margins suggests that voter mobilization will be decisive in upcoming runoffs and the November ballot. Candidates who can activate their base may tip the scales in tightly contested races.

What to watch next: Runoff elections in Bibb, Calhoun and other counties, plus the November general election, will determine whether the narrow victories of this primary translate into lasting control of local offices.