By Eason Franklin
The Lowndes Signal

An Alabama State Democratic Executive Sub-Committee has ruled in favor of David Colston in the challenge by incumbent Rep. James Thomas in the race for House District 69.

Alabama Democratic Party Executive Director Jim Spearman said Wednesday a five-member sub-committee appointed by Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham upheld Colston’s June 1 election win.

However, Thomas can appeal the committee’s ruling to the entire body of the State Democratic Executive Committee.

“The sub-committee ruled that David Colston is the nominee, but there is still an appeal process available for Rep. Thomas,” said Spearman. “We’ve notified the circuit clerk of the nominee and that the ballots would not be affected at this time for a runoff.”

The committee consisted of SDEC members Janet May, Robert Arnold, Kit Kuzma, Greg Graves and Darryl Sinkfield.

No evidence was presented to the appointed sub-committee by Thomas’s attorney, Mark Sabel, showing Colston had violated any rules of the SDEC, according to a report issued by the SDEC.

Thomas and Sabel contested Colston’s nomination claiming that he violated By-Laws of the State Democratic Executive Commitee rendering him unqualified to serve in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Colston said he was pleased with the ruling and looked forward to representing the people of District 69.

“We were confident the verdict would be in our favor,” said Colston. “It feels great. We didn’t do anything illegal, fraudulent, corrupt, or improper.”

The House seat covers Dallas and Lowndes County, as well as parts of Autauga and Wilcox Counties.