Two Democratic women are competing for an Alabama House seat today after beating incumbent

Voters are heading to the polls today to settle a high-stakes runoff for the Alabama House of Representatives District 52 seat. After successfully ousting incumbent Rep. Kelvin Datcher, D-Birmingham, during the primary, Democratic candidates GiGi Hayes and LaTanya Millhouse are now going head-to-head for the nomination.

The Path to the Runoff

In the primary round, Hayes set the pace by securing 3,880 votes, or 48.87% of the total, while Millhouse followed with 2,096 votes, or 26.4%. With no Republican candidates in the running, today's winner is set to represent the Birmingham metro area district.

Meet the Candidates

GiGi Hayes is a lifelong Jefferson County resident, an attorney, and a professor at Miles Law School. She holds a doctor of law degree from the Birmingham School of Law, alongside a master of business administration and a bachelor of science in management from the University of Phoenix. Her extensive courtroom experience covers everything from capital defense to white-collar crime. According to her campaign website, her platform emphasizes community-based public safety, infrastructure, fully funded schools, financial literacy, and Medicaid expansion. Outside of her professional career, Hayes is active in her church and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

LaTanya Millhouse is a lifelong resident of the Titusville neighborhood. She earned her bachelor of science degree from Western Kentucky University and her bachelor of business administration from Huntingdon College. In 2004, she established the Alpha Omega Group, a nonprofit dedicated to community outreach. Millhouse highlights more than 30 years of service, ranging from her time as a family court judicial assistant to her work in healthcare advocacy and youth mentorship. Her campaign, as detailed on her official website, focuses on neighborhood redevelopment, public utility transparency, workforce development, and expanded educational opportunities.