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Kelvin Lawrence is ready to hit the ground running.
That’s a good thing for the people of District 69 as the former Hayneville Mayor was elected to the Alabama State House of Representatives in Tuesday’s election.
“I’m very excited and very happy we were able to pull it out,” Lawrence, a democrat, said. “I’m glad that the district saw enough faith and trust in my public service history to elect me to serve District 69. I will do all I can to represent this district with honesty, integrity and with my word.”
Lawrence said he didn’t even finish up his first term as Mayor of Hayneville, but the pro-tem filling his spot is more than qualified. He’s served as Mayor since 2012.
When asked what he wants to accomplish first in office, Lawrence said a top priority for him will be the “expansion of Medicaid.”
“I know with the current landscape of the legislature that it will be hard for democrats to push forward with the expansion of Medicaid,” he said. “That will be one priority. A healthy individual makes for a healthy community.”
Additionally, Lawrence said he’s looking forward to learning his way around the state house and about the job as well.
Lawrence defeated Loretta G. Grant, the Republican candidate, with 9,387 votes, or 66 percent of the vote. Grant tallied 4,337 votes, or 31 percent.
Independent candidate Cedric Coley had 425 votes, or 3 percent.
By nature, Lawrence said he’s an “even keel” guy.
There was a big celebration at a local restaurant when news broke of his victory, Lawrence said.
“There was a lot of enthusiasm,” he said about the crowd. “I’m just really ready to hit the ground running and do the best job for the cities of District 69, and move this forward in a positive direction.”