Matt Huggins

Republicans Eddie Alley and Matt Huggins will square off Tuesday in the preference primary to decide who will become the GOP nominee for the Place 2 district court judgeship.

There are no Democrats on Tuesday ballot in this race. So, unless an Independent candidate decides to run, the winner of the GOP race will likely become the man to replace District Judge Jerry Batts, who is retiring.

Independent candidates have until Tuesday to qualify for the Nov. 8 general election. The polls are open from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m., at which time Limestone County voters will also select a presidential nominee, U.S. senator, county commissioners and other judge positions.

Alley and Huggins each told The News Courier why he decided to run for the Place 2 district judgeship and why he believes he is the best candidate for the job. Here are their answers:

Eddie Alley

Age: 38

Hometown: Athens

Spouse: Dr. Sharie Alley

Children: Reagan and Kate

High school: Brewer High School, 1995

College degrees: Bachelor’s degree with honors in political science from the University of Alabama, 1999; and juris doctorate from University of Alabama School of Law, 2002

Employment: 2011-present, special municipal judge for the city of Athens; 2011-present, attorney for law office of Edward L. Alley; 2011-present, legal instructor for National Center for Explosives Technology and Research on Redstone Arsenal; 2016, special municipal judge for town of Ardmore; 2015, special probate judge for Limestone County; 2003-2006, special federal prosecutor for United States Department of Justice; 2002-2011, deputy/assistant district attorney for state of Alabama; and 2002-2007, legal instructor for Alabama Police Academies

Q: What made you seek this judgeship?

A: I’m running because I know that I am the most qualified, conservative, and experienced candidate in this race. I have been truly blessed to serve and work for the people of Limestone County as a prosecutor, attorney and special judge. It’s important to have a judge who is objective and experienced in all aspects of law. I know the people of Limestone County are God-fearing, Christian people who appreciate the value of hard work and our traditional values. I’m running because I know my values are Limestone County values.

Q: What makes you a better choice for this position than your opponent?

A: Having served as a prosecutor, private practice attorney, a special municipal judge and an educator, I’ve seen the impact the district judge has on individuals from all sides. I believe my experience as a practicing attorney for the past 13 years, my belief in fairness and my Limestone County values give me the best understanding on how to serve our citizens as our next district judge.

Matt Huggins

Age: 31

Hometown: Athens

Spouse: Holly (Gilbert) Huggins

Children: Ford, 4 months old

High school: Athens Bible School, 2003

College degrees: Bachelor’s degree in history from Auburn University, 2007, and juris doctorate from Faulkner University, 2010

Employment: Currently an assistant district attorney with Limestone County District Attorney’s Office. Previously served as law clerk for Limestone Circuit Judge Jimmy Woodroof Jr., former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Patti Smith and former state Sen. Tom Butler.

Q: What made you seek this judgeship?

A: Two of my heroes growing up were my two grandfathers. Both of them dedicated their careers to serving others—one as a gospel preacher and the other as a district attorney and circuit judge. My dream was to follow their example and dedicate my career to public service. It has been a great honor serving the citizens of Limestone County in court as a state prosecutor, and I hope to continue that service as Limestone County’s next District Judge.

Q: What makes you a better choice for this position than your opponent?

A: I am focused on running a positive campaign explaining why I would be an honest and hardworking district judge rather than upon arguing why another person would not. I do believe that I’m a man the people of Limestone County can trust to be a fair and impartial judge to faithfully apply the rule of law and to continue Judge Batts’ legacy of exemplary service to our citizens. Spending my career prosecuting primarily in district court has given me the right kind of experience to serve as district judge. Being born and raised in Limestone County, I understand the values and principles we hold dear. If elected, I pledge to always be grounded in our conservative values and guided by the rule of law.