Tuscaloosa District 7 Special Election results

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - UPDATE: Election results for the City of Tuscaloosa District 7 Special Election have been posted. The final vote count retrieved from the polling locations on July 27 are as follows:

City Council, District 7

Cassius Lanier - 872

Sonya McKinstry - 482

Tuscaloosa’s Special Election was Tuesday. District 7 seat was vacant due a to a legality issue with a previous candidate. We profiled two candidates running, who will be on Tuesday’s ballot.

It’s a highly anticipated race that is expected to be tight, especially because the last election in March showed a 20 plus vote difference between the challenger Cassius Lanier, who won over the incumbent Sonya McKinstry. A judge threw out those election results due to Lanier’s ineligibility at the time, but now he qualifies to run.

WBRC caught up with Lanier at the car dealership he owns, Lanier Automotive. “Well I have my business in District 7 right on Skyland Blvd. I’m totally accessible. People come here all day all the time anyway,” said Lanier.

He explained that the top three things he’d work to accomplish are revitalizing District 7 businesses, attacking violent crime, and helping to improve infrastructure to create affordable housing. “These things have to be boots on the ground. You can’t improve that just sitting in meetings all day. That’s my vision to be accountable and accessible,“ said Lanier.

The previous incumbent of District 7, Sonya McKinstry, spoke with WBRC at the new Cypress Creek sidewalk, a project she helped see through. “When I tell you what I’m going to do. I really mean it. Experience matters, especially when we are in an area that needs revitalization,” said McKinstry.

She said neighborhood revitalization that includes drainage improvements, public safety and economic development are the top three priorities for her if she’s re-elected. “I have the experience, I have the knowledge, and most of all they can trust me. They can trust me when I tell them that I’m working for them,” said McKinstry.

Election day for District 7 is Tuesday, July 27th at East McFarland Baptist Church. Polls open at 7 a.m.

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