Former state senator Burkette expected to plead guilty; special election set for Nov. 17

Montgomery, Ala. — David Burkette, the former state senator from Montgomery, has agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor campaign finance charge. A court hearing is set for Sept. 21. The agreement would require him to pay a $3,000 fine and waive his right to appeal, according to the Associated Press.

Burkette was charged earlier this month with violating the Fair Campaign Practices Act during his 2015 and 2016 Montgomery City Council run. Prosecutors alleged Burkette deposited $3,625 in campaign contributions into his personal bank account rather than in his campaign checking account. Burkette resigned from the Alabama State Senate shortly before the charges were announced.

The special election primary to replace Burkette will be held Nov. 17, two weeks after the 2020 presidential election. Six Democrats have qualified to run: Deborah Anthony, lawyer; Linda Burkette, wife of David Burkette; Kirk Hatcher, John Knight and Tashina Morris, current members of the Alabama House of Representatives; and Janet May, public relations consultant. Republican William Green also qualified to run for the seat in the heavily Democratic district.

The senate seat will go without representation until the special general election is held on Mar. 2, 2021. A special session to address prison reform and COVID-19 related issues has not been scheduled. The Regular Session begins in early February 2021.