Phillip Ensler wins House District 74 in first Democratic state house flip since 2010

Attorney Phillip Ensler appeared to defeat Rep. Charlotte Meadows for a Montgomery-area House seat, becoming the first Democrat to flip an Alabama House seat in 12 years.

Ensler had 7,490 votes (60%) in unofficial returns Tuesday night. Meadows had 4,972 votes (40%).

"We have won, and I’m excited and grateful, but humbled," Ensler said in a phone interview Tuesday. "The work begins literally tomorrow. Everything I campaigned on, public safety, good schools, responsiveness, we begin there."

Ensler said Meadows conceded to him Tuesday evening. A message seeking comment was left with Meadows on Tuesday.

Meadows, elected in 2019 in a majority-Republican district, was redistricted into a majority-Black district considerable favorable to the Democratic Party. She was considered the most vulnerable Republican in the cycle.

Ensler campaigned on constituent service, saying he would work to find resources to support police officers and bring economic development into the area. Ensler also cited his work in the community, including time as a high school teacher for Teach for America. Meadows stressed her roots in the community and her work on education and school choice.

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Ensler campaigned on constituent service, saying he would work to find resources to support police officers and bring economic development into the area. Ensler also cited his work in the community, including time as a high school teacher for Teach for America.

The candidates were divided on policy. Meadows supports abortion restrictions and voted to end a requirement for concealed carry permits. Ensler opposed that legislation, and said that while he understood the varieties of opinion on abortion, he supported abortion rights.

From May 25 through Monday, Ensler had raised $191,000 for the race and spent $170,202. Meadows raised $81,461 through Monday and spent $53,876.

The Democrats last flipped a state House seat in 2010, when Democrat Joe Hubbard defeated then-Rep. David Grimes, R-Montgomery. The year was an otherwise gloomy one for the party, where they lost control of both houses of the legislature.

Brian Lyman covers politics and state government for the Montgomery Advertiser. Contact him at 334-240-0185 or blyman@gannett.com.