It's now official. Auburn City Councilman Jay Hovey has pulled off the biggest upset of the primary cycle in unseating three-term incumbent State Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) despite being outspent 12-to-1.
The Alabama Republican Party announced on Friday that Hovey would represent the GOP on the ballot in the State Senate District 27 contest against Democratic Party nominee U.S. Army veteran Sherri Reese in November.
Later in the day, Hovey appeared on Montgomery radio NewsTalk 93.1's "Straight Talk" to offer some details on his background and approach to representing State Senate District 27, which includes Tallapoosa, Lee and Russell counties.
"I've been honored to serve the last four years on Auburn City Council," Hovey said in the interview with host Apryl Marie Fogel. "We joke internally on the council, sort of like this primary process -- four years ago, we had no idea we'd be going through some significant changes in Auburn and a pandemic, and lots of changes in the world over the last four years. So, around every corner, there has been a challenge and a hurdle. But I think we've really kept our heads down and tried to take care of our constituents, and that's really what it translates.
"I've been thankful as this campaign has progressed. I'm from south Lee County. I'm from a little community in the southernmost point in Lee County, Marvin, which is literally a caution light. Went to Beauregard High School, a county high school in Lee County. My father is a small business owner in Opelika. My mother is a retired educator for the Lee County school system. Obviously, I have connections in Auburn. My wife went to Auburn High School."
Hovey vowed a low-key, common-sense style should he win the November race.
"My reach has been very organic," Hovey said. "Senate District 27 really is sort of a timeline of my life. It's been wonderful to reconnect with some old friends and family, all the way up in Tallapoosa County in [Talmadge East]'s neck of the woods. It's been really great, and I think that, you know, I want to offer a low-key, common-sense style of representation. I happen to be the figurehead, but it really boils down to tomato sandwiches and real life. I want to make sure that from the tip-top of Tallapoosa County to Russell County, I'm a regular guy who wants to do what's in their best interest."
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com.
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