By Alabama Public Radio
Birmingham, AL – Former Jefferson County Tax Collector Jack Williams has won the special general election for House District 47 with more than 70 percent of the vote. In complete but unofficial returns from Tuesday night, Williams polled 73 percent. His opponent was Democrat Mike Graffeo, an attorney from Vestavia Hills. Graffeo received 27 percent of the vote. Williams will fill the seat of Representative John Hawkins. The Vestavia Hills Republican died in June from cancer after serving for 28 years in the Alabama Legislature. The legislative district includes Hoover, Vestavia Hills and neighboring unincorporated areas of Jefferson County.