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Antwon Womack has fended off a court challenge, clearing the way for him to serve on the Birmingham City School Board. Womack’s victory over Pamela Bass for the District 8 seat was affirmed this morning in a written ruling from Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Chuck Price. Bass last week challenged Womack’s victory in a runoff after she claimed he did not live in the district. In her lawsuit Bass alleged that Womack, who defeated her by 25 votes, did not live in the district he was elected to represent. Womack was evicted from his apartment before the election and failed to establish another residence within the district as required, according to Bass. However, Price said Bass’ claim arrived too late. Price said Bass cited a state code that required a challenge within 20 days after the result of an election. Price said the timeline began Aug. 26 for the general election. “This court finds plaintiff’s complaint is untimely filed,” Price wrote. Documents show Womack was legally evicted July 22. Birmingham city elections were Aug. 26 with the runoff Oct. 7. Attorney Earl Hilliard Sr., a former congressman and long-time Birmingham political operative, said Womack continues to meet the qualifications to serve and currently lives with his grandfather. “The district residents spoke and I’m glad the court ruled in favor of the voters,” Hilliard told AL.com. Womack’s victory in the board of education race is his first election win after decades in politics. That includes multiple unsuccessful runs for public office. Womack’s win also represented a political gain for the long-standing Jefferson County Citizens Coalition over the slate of candidates endorsed by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, which included Bass. Bass was the only Woodfin-endorsed Birmingham candidate to lose. Birmingham’s elected leaders will take office Nov. 3. Womack has already begun sending out invitations to the swearing-in celebration.
