More than a month after the May 19 Democratic primary, the contest over the Perry County Commission District 1 seat remains unresolved before the Alabama Democratic Party, and the challenger certified as the winner has gone public asking supporters to help fund his side of the fight.
Donald Bennett defeated incumbent Commissioner Albert Turner Jr. by one vote, 398 to 397, after the county canvassing board counted provisional ballots on May 26.
Probate Judge Carlton L. Hogue, who also chairs the Perry County Democratic Executive Committee, certified Bennett as the party’s nominee on June 1 and declared the local contest period closed.
Turner, who has held the seat for more than a quarter century, has refused to accept the result, alleging irregularities, and appealed to the State Democratic Executive Committee.
The state committee held a hearing on the appeal on June 15 in Montgomery, which the Times-Standard-Herald reported on previously. As of press time, the committee had not issued a ruling.
Because no Republican qualified in District 1, the Democratic nominee will take the seat in November.
In a public message to supporters this week, Bennett asked for financial help to fund his side of the contest.
He said contributions would cover legal counsel before the state committee, preparation of formal responses and briefs, and travel costs for hearings in Montgomery.
“This defense is about more than one seat,” Bennett wrote. “It is about protecting the integrity of our election.”
He cited what he called the county’s momentum on development projects, including the Atlas Complex, Vaiden Field, and the Harris Technology Hub.
Bennett directed supporters to his campaign website and a mailing address to contribute.
He signed the message:
“Donald J. Bennett Sr., Commissioner-Elect, Perry County District 1.”
