Eric Major

Major first ran for the Alabama House in 1994, challenging incumbent Warren Minnifield in the Democratic primary. Major forced Minnifield into a runoff, but lost by a 51–49 margin. Major challenged Minnifield again in 1998, and again the two went to a primary runoff; this time, Major prevailed by a 54–46 margin, going on to win the general election. Major was re-elected in 2002 but lost his bid for a third term in 2006, suffering a 54–46 defeat against Rod Scott in the Democratic primary runoff. After leaving office, Major mounted unsuccessful bids for several offices, including state senate, Jefferson County Treasurer, and Jefferson County Commission.^[2]

In 2004, Major was arrested on charges of physically assaulting his ex-fiancée. He was eventually acquitted on the charges. Major sued the city of Birmingham, alleging that his civil rights were violated by the arrest. A judge ruled in his favor, awarding him a $500,000 settlement. Major claimed the domestic abuse allegations were orchestrated by his political rivals.^[3]

Major lives in Fairfield.^[2]