The Alabama Republican Party Steering Committee held a hearing today and decided to remove Jesse Battles from the ballot as a candidate in the Alabama Senate District 10 race following a ballot challenge filed with the party.

Such procedures are typically considered confidential, and few details are publicly released. WEIS confirmed the result of the hearing with Battles.

Battles had been set to run in the District 10 Republican primary against incumbent Andrew Jones and Amy Dozier Minton. The ballot challenge was said to involve prior paid work for a Democratic candidate, as well as recent support for Democratic elected officials and individuals associated with the Democratic Party.

WEIS has reached out to the other candidates in the race.

Senator Jones released the following statement:
“CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
I just learned that one of my two opponents has been removed from the Republican ballot by the Alabama GOP. Apparently someone associated with one opponent’s campaign filed a candidacy challenge on the other opponent due to some past work for the Democrats.
If you know me, you know I’ve certainly never been shy about a hard-fought campaign, and I had been looking forward to a vigorous debate on the issues with BOTH candidates. In the end though, as a result of this removal, only two of us will appear on your May 19 Republican ballot.
TO ANY VOTER WHO IS NOW CONSIDERING WHOM TO SUPPORT:
Our campaign welcomes you with open arms. I know you might not have agreed with me on every decision I’ve made, but I’m confident that our campaign has the vision and experience to build a stronger Etowah, Cherokee, and DeKalb. Let’s not go back to the failed politics of the past! I invite YOU to be a part of ANDREW & YOU! Come join us!”

WEIS is seeking statements from Minton and the Alabama Republican Party and will provide updates as more information becomes available.