A special election has been called by Gov. Kay Ivey for Alabama House District 55, which is now vacant due to the resignation of former State Rep. Fred Plump.
Plump resigned in May after pleading guilty to charges of wire fraud conspiracy and obstruction of justice, linked to a probe into malfeasance related to the Jefferson County Community Service Fund.
In her Thursday proclamation, Ivey scheduled the special primary election for Sept. 26 with a runoff on Oct. 24 – if needed. The special general election will take place Jan. 9, 2024.
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“Those in public office must be held to the highest standard, and it is unfortunate that the good folks in House District 55 have been left without representation due to poor decisions made by the individual who formerly held this seat,” Ivey said.
“I encourage everyone in this district to get out and vote during this special election to ensure you have a strong voice advocating for you in the Alabama Legislature going forward.”
District 55 encompasses part of Jefferson County. The deadline for major political party candidate qualification is July 25 and independent candidates and minor parties have until Sept. 26.
Plump, 76, a Democrat from Fairfield, faced charges stemming from allegations of conspiring to defraud and acquire money from the Jefferson County Community Service Fund.
According to a U.S. Department of Justice release, he had directed approximately $400,000 of discretionary funds to a nonprofit organization where he served as executive director and subsequently gave around $200,000 in kickbacks.
Plump’s plea agreement entails him pleading guilty to the charges, paying restitution of at least $200,000, and his subsequent resignation from office.
Ivey’s order can be found here.
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
