Bolin wins Jefferson County special election, ALGOP celebrates

Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Mike Bolin was elected commissioner for District 5 of Jefferson County in a special election Tuesday. The district encompasses parts of Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Irondale, and Leeds.

Bolin won with 59.27% of the unofficial vote, totaling 5,728 out of the 9,666 votes cast, defeating his main challenger, real estate developer and Democratic megadonor David Silverstein.

The otherwise nonpartisan special election, typically appointed by the governor, quickly became a high visibility race staking conservatives’ chances to maintain control of the county commission.

“Thank you to the great people of Jefferson County’s District 5 for entrusting me with this opportunity to represent you as your County Commissioner,” Bolin said.

“We are proud to serve Jefferson County, and we’re ready to get to work.”

RELATED: Jones, Woodfin endorse Silverstein in JeffCo race

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl praised Bolin’s victory and its implications for Republicans in the state. 

“I want to congratulate Mike Bolin on his impressive win for Jefferson County Commission,” Wahl said. “This special election was the deciding factor in Republicans maintaining control of the Jefferson County Commission, and we are proud to see a strong Republican win this seat. 

“We are looking forward to seeing Mike Bolin’s conservative leadership go to work for the people of Jefferson County. He is a great public servant who will work tirelessly to protect and defend the people of his District.”

The District 5 vacancy was created after former Commissioner Steve Ammons left to assume the role of CEO at the Birmingham Business Alliance. 

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270