Tom Whatley bows out of tied District 27 Alabama State Senate Race

ALABAMA (WTVM) - Senator Tom Whatley is stepping away from the tied District 27 Alabama State Senate Race as of Friday, July 1.

A statement from Whatley is below:

The last twelve years have been fantastic. I have loved serving in the Alabama Senate.
I have made lifelong friendships with many fantastic people. Hands down, the best thing about my Senate service has been speaking to an Auburn University class where I met my wife Lauren. We are thrilled to have recently welcomed our daughter, Laurel, into the world.
I am a Republican. I want to thank all my supporters and friends who have reached out to me during this process. I’ve been a delegate to the last three Republican conventions. I am the Republican nominee who was voted by Republicans in my district.
With that said, I now believe that it is in the best interest of my friends, colleagues, family, and the Republican Party, for me to step away from this tied race so that we can move forward and have success in November.
I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my wife and daughter, focusing on my law practice and other business interests. It has been the honor of a lifetime serving the people of Lee, Tallapoosa and Russell counties.
Senator Tom Whatley

Auburn City Councilman Jay Hovey held a four-vote lead over incumbent Senator Tom Whatley on primary election night, May 24, but the race was deemed too close to call due to outstanding provisional ballots. Hovey held onto his lead by a single vote following the final tally.

A statement from Jay Hovey:

Hovey will now face Democrat Sherri Reese in the November general election.