MADISON — Madison City Councilman Teddy Powell (R) lost his bid to fill the vacant seat in Alabama House District 10 on Tuesday. He lost to Democrat candidate Marilyn Lands in a special election to fill the position left empty by the resignation of David Cole (R) last year in response to charges he committed voter fraud. He plead guilty in October.

The final unofficial results according to the Madison County Probate office shows that Lands garnered 3,715 votes, 62.31%. Powell had 2,236 votes, 37.50%.

House District 10 covers the city of Madison, parts of Huntsville, and rural county areas surrounding Madison.

“Running for House District 10 has been a true honor. The voters have spoken and I’m honored to have been considered for this office. I wish Mrs. Lands the absolute best as she goes on to serve the people of District 10 in the House of Representatives,” Powell stated after conceding the contest, according to 1819 News.

“Our state has so much to offer and I believe if we come together, we can accomplish great things,” he added as he also thanked those who helped during his campaign.

This seat is a pick-up for Democrats in the State Legislature, where Republicans hold a super-majority.

“It’s a victory for women, and it’s a victory for families,” Lands said after the election. “We are sending a message to Montgomery and across the country that Alabama is going to move forward.”

Lands, a Huntsville resident, stated leading up to the election that her focus would be on improving healthcare in the state.

“I really feel like we need somebody down in Montgomery who understands mental health issues,” stated Lands, according to WHNT News.

“Alabama is changing, North Alabama in particular, but other parts too,” Lands said. “I think we’re ready for something different. We’re tired of Alabama being 40th and 50th for key metrics. We can do better. We are better.”