Independent State Senator Re-Elected in Alabama

Harri Anne Smith, Alabama’s lone Independent legislator, secured another four years in the Alabama Senate on Tuesday. She survived her most formidable challenge to date, beating back Republican Melinda McClendon by a vote of 17,769 to 16,085, or 52.49 percent to 47.51.

Smith’s victory is our second confirmed re-election of an independent state senator, following news that Rhode Island’s Edward O’Neill cruised past a Democratic opponent and won more than 60% of the vote.

Thanks to Richard Winger of Ballot Access News for the tip.