A stunning upset in Birmingham as mayor’s ally loses his seat to two challengers

Birmingham’s political landscape shifted Tuesday night as incumbent state representative Kelvin Datcher was knocked out of the running for a full term in District 52. Despite his strong ties to Mayor Randall Woodfin, Datcher finished third in the primary, failing to advance to the runoff.

The Path to the Runoff

The race will now head to a June 16 runoff between top-two finishers GiGi Hayes and LaTanya Millhouse. Hayes secured the top spot with 3,880 votes (48.87%), while Millhouse followed with 2,096 votes (26.4%). Datcher trailed with 1,964 votes, or 24.7% of the total.

Hayes, an attorney, attributed her momentum to her commitment to accessibility and her legal background. Millhouse echoed that sentiment, emphasizing a platform built on community advocacy, including support for small businesses, transitioning programs for those exiting the penal system, and fighting for grandparents' rights.

Endorsements and Unexpected Twists

The race saw a dramatic shake-up just one day before the primary when longtime former Rep. John Rogers publicly endorsed Hayes during an appearance on the Gary Richardson Morning Show on 104.1 FM. Rogers, who served in the legislature for 42 years before a 2024 conviction in a kickback scheme, remains a significant, albeit controversial, figure in local politics.

Datcher had previously succeeded Rogers in late 2024 after serving on the veteran lawmaker's staff, according to reports at the time of his victory. Efforts by 205focus.com to reach Datcher for comment following the loss were unsuccessful.

A Challenging Cycle

The incumbent’s campaign faced hurdles early on. Datcher previously navigated questions regarding his qualifications and employment with the city under Mayor Woodfin, eventually producing a resignation letter to satisfy state law requirements. Former Birmingham City Councilman Steven Hoyt, who backed Datcher, suggested that these early controversies and a potential sense of complacency might have contributed to the upset.

Political observer Julia Siergiey Juarez noted that while Woodfin saw success elsewhere—notably with the victory of Alicia Lumpkin in District 60—the mayor’s political capital appeared stretched thin, leaving Datcher to struggle on his own. "Sometimes candidates depend on endorsements, but endorsements do not vote," Hoyt observed, summarizing a tough night for the Datcher campaign.