Nathan Mathis: A Comprehensive Electoral History in Alabama
The political career of Nathan Mathis spans several decades, characterized by a series of campaigns for both state and federal offices in Alabama. From his early victories in the state legislature to bids for statewide executive roles and congressional seats, Mathis has been a recurring figure in the state's electoral landscape.
Early Career and State House Victories
Nathan Mathis first entered the political arena in 1982, competing for a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives. In the Democratic primary for District 73, Mathis secured 4,395 votes (39.1%), narrowly leading Gene Daniels. This led to a runoff election, where Mathis decisively won with 6,791 votes (61.4%) against Daniels' 4,269 votes (38.6%). Mathis subsequently won the general election with 100% of the vote.
By 1983, Mathis contested the Alabama House District 87 election, winning with 2,960 votes (77.7%) over Republican Bill Whitestone, who received 851 votes (22.3%). He maintained this seat in 1986, defeating Republican Russ Rothrock with 8,461 votes (72.4%) to 3,229 votes (27.6%).
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Challenges and Returns in District 87
In 1990, Mathis successfully navigated the Democratic primary for District 87, receiving 5,074 votes (62.2%) ahead of Charles Flippo and Pat Whigpen. He went on to win the general election with 7,569 votes (57.6%), defeating Republican Eric Johnson, who earned 5,573 votes (42.4%).
However, the 1994 election saw a shift in momentum. Republican Riley Seibenhener won the seat with 7,974 votes (65.1%), while Mathis received 4,277 votes (34.9%). Mathis attempted a comeback in 1998, first winning a Democratic primary runoff against Wynnton Melton with 1,195 votes (54.8%). Despite this, he was defeated in the general election by Seibenhener, who secured 7,810 votes (58.9%) compared to Mathis' 5,434 votes (41.0%).
Statewide and Federal Ambitions
Following his tenure in the House, Mathis sought higher office. In 2002, he ran in the Democratic primary for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industry—the state official responsible for overseeing farming and industrial agricultural standards. He finished second with 120,861 votes (33.4%), trailing Ron Sparks, who won with 183,097 votes (51.3%).
In 2006, Mathis entered the crowded Democratic primary for Governor of Alabama. In a race won by Lucy Baxley (59.8%), Mathis received 4,000 votes (0.9%).
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Later Campaigns and Congressional Bids
In 2010, Mathis shifted parties or sought a different path by entering the Republican primary for Alabama Senate District 29. He received 7,155 votes (35.9%), losing to George Flowers, who won with 12,783 votes (64.1%).
Mathis returned to the Democratic ticket for Alabama's 2nd Congressional District in 2016. He earned 112,089 votes (40.5%), finishing second to Republican Martha Roby, who won with 134,886 votes (48.8%). Independent candidate Rebecca Gerritson followed with 9.0% of the vote.
His most recent recorded campaign was the 2020 Democratic primary for Alabama's 2nd Congressional District, where he received 18,898 votes (40.8%), losing to Phyllis Harvey-Hall, who secured 27,399 votes (59.2%).
Key Facts
- First Major Win: Won Alabama House District 73 in 1982.
- Legislative Stronghold: Held Alabama House District 87 through the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
- Highest Vote Total: Received 120,861 votes in the 2002 Commissioner of Agriculture and Industry primary.
- Congressional Bids: Ran for Alabama's 2nd Congressional District in 2016 and 2020.
- Party Versatility: Competed in both Democratic and Republican primaries across his career.
| Year | Office/District | Election Type | Result | Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | House District 73 | General | Won | 100% |
| 1983 | House District 87 | General | Won | 77.7% |
| 1986 | House District 87 | General | Won | 72.4% |
| 1990 | House District 87 | General | Won | 57.6% |
| 1994 | House District 87 | General | Lost | 34.9% |
| 1998 | House District 87 | General | Lost | 41.0% |
| 2002 | Comm. of Agriculture | Democratic Primary | Lost | 33.4% |
| 2006 | Governor | Democratic Primary | Lost | 0.9% |
| 2010 | Senate District 29 | Republican Primary | Lost | 35.9% |
| 2016 | 2nd Congressional Dist. | General | Lost | 40.5% |
| 2020 | 2nd Congressional Dist. | Democratic Primary | Lost | 40.8% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Alabama House districts did Nathan Mathis represent?
Nathan Mathis represented both District 73 and District 87 in the Alabama House of Representatives.
Did Nathan Mathis ever run for Governor?
Yes, he ran in the 2006 Alabama gubernatorial Democratic primary, where he received 4,000 votes, accounting for 0.9% of the total.
How did Mathis perform in the 2016 Congressional race?
In the election for Alabama's 2nd Congressional District, Mathis received 112,089 votes (40.5%), finishing second to Martha Roby.
Has Nathan Mathis run in more than one political party's primary?
Yes. While primarily running as a Democrat, he competed in the Republican primary for Alabama Senate District 29 in 2010.
Who defeated Nathan Mathis for House District 87 in 1994 and 1998?
Republican Riley Seibenhener defeated Nathan Mathis in both the 1994 and 1998 general elections for District 87.