State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) and Alicia Escott Lumpkin, one of her primary opponents, have at least one thing in common this week – they're both celebrating the news that the U.S. Coast Guard will be moving into the old Birmingham-Southern College campus.
U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) jointly led the effort to secure Alabama as home to the facility.
Givan spoke to the press on Thursday morning before leaving the statehouse about the news.
"Yesterday's announcement was huge for the state of Alabama. I did just thank Senator Britt and Senator Tuberville for their efforts, as well as Secretary Noem and President Trump. Because what this means is that 192 Acres will no longer sit dormant in the city of Birmingham," Givan said.
Stressing that the campus was "unique" because it sits in the Bush Hills residential neighborhood, she highlighted that residents are celebrating not just the number of jobs that the new facility will bring but also the increased security.
"Most importantly, it will give a sense of security to those who are in that area, a storied area, just a few stone's throw away from Legion Field, as well as some of the other historic civil rights areas in the city of Birmingham," she explained.
"My phone yesterday was ringing off the hook, people who live in neighborhoods want safe neighborhoods. The people there were excited," she said before explaining that though they were sad the campus couldn't be used by another Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU), "The majority, at least 99.9 was positive."
"It is a lot to leave a 192-acre facility with dormitories and all types of apartments and housing unmanned and unoccupied; it breeds danger," she added before noting the school had "one of the most beautiful campuses in the state of Alabama."
"And so, for me, I'm super excited! But most important, I'm excited for the residents there and what this means. And again to look past party lines, regardless of who the president is. He is the president of the United States of America, and this is a need and a need now has been filled," Givan said in closing.
Givan's main primary opponent, Alicia Escott Lumpkin, put out a statement on social media.
"Birmingham Southern College's closure was a heartbreaking moment for the western corridor of Birmingham and for the Bush Hills and College Hills communities in particular. The United States Coast Guard's investment in the site will be a prayer answered for my neighbors across Alabama House District 60. Birmingham will now be recognized as a workforce development leader around the world," Lumpkin wrote.
"I thank Senator Katie Britt, Governor Ivey, Mayor Woodfin and leaders in Montgomery for making a dream reality for our community. This is the type of problem-solving partnership that matters, not political grandstanding. The families of District 60 deserve visionary service consistently. This is the level of leadership I will provide to District 60 when I am elected," she closed.
Lumpkin has the support and endorsement of Mayor Randall Woodfin, who has posted numerous posts about the campaign and, most recently, did a walk-and-talk style video with Lumpkin.
A third candidate in the race, Nina Taylor, did not make a public statement on the announcement.
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