By William C. Singleton III
Journal contributor
A new Democratic challenger has emerged to take on Republican Gary Palmer for the Alabama Sixth Congressional District race.
Mark Lester of Homewood has announced he will represent the Democratic Party in the Nov. 4 general election.
Lester, a Birmingham-Southern College history professor, replaces former Democratic nominee Avery Vise, who withdrew from the race to devote more time to his business.
“In the months since qualifying…my very small business has been fortunate to take on increasingly challenging projects and obligations, making it difficult to campaign,” Vise said in a letter to Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Nancy Worley. “I have recently learned of several professional opportunities that will consume considerable time and focus to pursue in the coming weeks. A couple of them even would require me leaving Alabama if I were to be successful.”
Lester comes to the race with considerable professional and academic credentials, even if he’s still considered a longshot in the predominantly conservative Sixth Congressional District.
He received his undergraduate degree at Rhodes College, a master’s degree in Middle Eastern studies from Harvard University and a law degree from the University of Virginia. He earned a doctorate in Modern British Economic History from the University of Oxford.
Lester also served as an assistant U.S. Attorney and, after his time with the federal government, started a law firm which specialized in commercial litigation.
He has taught First Amendment law as an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama School of Law.
Lester describes himself as a strong proponent of healthcare reform and educational programs which give all children the best chance to succeed in life.
Lester is married to Jeanne Jackson, president and chief executive officer for the Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham. They have two married sons, both of whom are graduates of Homewood City schools.
Lester is a member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham.
