These 8 veteran lawmakers lost in Alabama’s primary election
Incumbents from both parties came up short in their bids for another term.
Mason Reed 
Alabama's primary election held on Tuesday saw a significant shakeup as several veteran lawmakers from both sides of the aisle were ousted by challengers, according to unofficial results from the secretary of state. From Birmingham to the coast, incumbents faced tough battles that ultimately ended their re-election bids.
Legislative Veterans Unseated
In Jefferson County, Rep. Jim Carns, a fixture in the State House for over 30 years, was defeated by former federal prosecutor Lloyd Peeples in the Republican primary for House District 48. Peeples, who famously prosecuted Joran van der Sloot—the man responsible for the 2005 death of Natalee Holloway—ran with the high-profile endorsement of Beth Holloway.
The Birmingham delegation also saw major movement. Rep. Juandalynn Givan, the District 60 incumbent, lost her seat to newcomer Alicia Escott Lumpkin. The race was marked by intense friction, with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin backing Lumpkin and a PAC aligned with the mayor funding radio attack ads against the longtime representative.
In Senate District 15, Republican Sen. Dan Roberts was topped by challenger Scott Ortis, a former teacher and pharmacist. Meanwhile, in House District 52, Rep. Kelvin Datcher failed to advance to a runoff, placing third in his primary. Datcher, who won his seat in 2024 following the imprisonment of former Rep. John Rogers, will see GiGi Hayes and LaTanya Millhouse face off for the nomination.
Statewide Shifts
The turnover extended well beyond Birmingham. Sen. Greg Albritton, a prominent Republican from Atmore and chairman of the Finance and Taxation General Fund committee, fell to Army veteran and farmer Terry Waters in District 22.
Contentious primary battles also claimed Rep. Matt Simpson of Daphne, who was defeated by Danielle Duggar in District 96. Simpson had previously issued a cease and desist to a PAC supporting Duggar over alleged misrepresentations. Similarly, Rep. Phillip Pettus of Killen sent his own cease and desist to the same group before falling to attorney Maurice McCaney in District 1. Finally, Rep. Greg Barnes of Jasper was defeated by challenger Mike Elliott in District 13.
Incumbent Successes
Despite these losses, the majority of incumbents who faced opposition managed to secure victory. This includes the state's longest-serving legislator, Sen. Jabo Waggoner, who fended off a challenge from Nate Carlson. Additionally, Rep. James Lomax bested former Congressman Mo Brooks in Madison County. Other notable incumbent victories included Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, Andrew Jones, and Randy Price, the latter of whom defeated former Senator Gerald Dial.
