HUNTSVILLE — The battle for the Republican nomination for the 5th Congressional District House seat between Madison County Commission Chair Dale Strong and former Superintendent of Huntsville City Schools Casey Wardynski ended in a predictable runoff after neither man received more than 50% of the vote. The runoff is June 21.
With 99% of precincts reporting, Strong holds a more than a 20-point lead over Wardynski, with 44.74% of the vote to Wardynski’s 23%.
“When you look at all the people who came out not just from Madison County but from Lauderdale, Limestone, Morgan and most of Jackson County for our campaign, it’s because they know Dale Strong is serious about the three most important issues people in North Alabama care about and that is inflation, national security and the border,” Strong said.
Wardynski said he is ready for the runoff.
“We are excited about tonight’s results and look forward to the runoff on June 21,” said Wardynski. “Voters in the district have known Dale Strong for his quarter of a century in politics, and it’s very telling that he can’t eclipse 50% in his own backyard. Clearly voters want somebody with knowledge, experience, and grit. That’s Casey Wardynski.”
Strong said he is up to the challenge, as well.
“People are going to get to know both candidates and their families very well in the weeks ahead and we look forward to the opportunity to present our case to the people and make sure their voices are carried to Washington, D.C., this fall,” he said.
The winner of the runoff will face computer specialist Kathy Warner-Stanton in November. With 99% of precincts reporting, she defeated Charlie Thompson for the Democrat nomination for District 5 with more than 57% of the vote.
Wardynski had high name recognition due to his position in the school system, and as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs under President Trump.
Strong has held office as County Commission chair for more than a decade and is recognizable at events throughout North Alabama. He also has the endorsements of dozens of organizations in North Alabama including the Fraternal Order of Police and the Alabama Farmers Federation FarmPAC.
Although polling showed Strong in a “strong” position to receive the most votes, it was always going to be difficult to reach the required threshold of 50% plus 1 vote in a field of six candidates.
John Roberts finished third with a little over 13% of the vote, followed by Paul Sanford, Andy Blalock and Harrison Wright.
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