After serving as Lee County district attorney for the past six years and serving as prosecutor of the county for over 15 years, Robbie Treese did not secure the nomination March 1 for the upcoming term.
“Wow, 16 years,” Treese said with a sigh upon news that Hughes had announced victory before the final results.
Brandon Hughes, challenger on the only-Republican ballot with Treese, won the primary election with nearly 3,000 more votes than Treese.
"I think it was very much a statement of the people of Lee County," Hughes said.
Hughes said he will bring a "culture of service" to the District Attorney's Office from day one.
"I can promise we're going to be a service-oriented district attorney's office," Hughes said. "I can't wait to get to work."
Hughes thanked his supporters and said he already has ideas for when his term begins in January.
Hughes, Alabama native and Auburn University at Montgomery graduate, began his legal career with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office in 2002.
He prosecuted cases, from misdemeanors to homicides, until 2006, when he took a job with prosecution litigation.
Hughes has been an Auburn resident since 2007 and prosecuted one case in Lee County in 2014.
As results were still filing in Tuesday night, Treese read aloud, a quiver in his voice, an email of support and prayers from a fellow district attorney.
Shortly after, with 22 precincts reporting, Treese conceded alongside his wife and two children, despite others’ suggestion to hold out until all precincts were in.
After a long pause, Treese thanked his supporters, family and friends and praised the legacy those around him helped create in making the district attorney’s office “one of the best and most respected in the state.”
“Of course, I’m disappointed more so for everybody that I let down more than anything else,” Treese said. “I’ll be fine. I’ve been successful at almost everything I’ve set my hand to. And I’ll be successful again.”
Treese said he will take his next actions one step at a time.
“The lesson learned is I should’ve paid more attention to the political consequences of my acts — trying to do the right thing for the right reasons every single time and letting me worry about the consequences,” Treese said. “Well, here are the consequences. And I feel really responsible and really sorry that I’ve let everybody down that’s supported me.”
Though being district attorney comes with risks, Treese said the rewards of serving the area are tremendous.
“Going forward, I’ll do the best I can do as I’ve always have,” Treese said. “And I’ll try to maintain the high standards that have been set for me, that are expected of me by friends, family, God and the position that I hold.”
Treese took office for a six-year term in 2011. Before being elected, he was an assistant district attorney for over 10 years and chief assistant district attorney, according to the Lee County District Attorney website.
U.S. Senate
After a hard-fought battle for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination, incumbent Richard Shelby came out on top, with approximately 65 percent of the vote.
"It was a good race," said Jonathan McConnell. "It was good for the democratic process. I was honored to meet so many great people and have so many great people working for us."
McConnell, former SGA president, received almost 28 percent. He said he was happy to have the opportunity to run and will support Shelby in November.
"I think we've got to maintain our Republican majority in the Senate in order to get stuff done," McConnell said.
Shelby thanked his supporters and voters, and said he is looking forward to the general election in November.
“I am honored that the people of Alabama have once again trusted me to be the Republican nominee for the United States Senate," Shelby said. "Serving as your Senator is a privilege and responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I will continue to stand up against big government for all Alabamians and Americans."
U.S. House of Representatives
Mike Rogers won the District 3 GOP primary by approximately 70 percent — a new record for him — but he isn't taking anything for granted.
He said he will be facing the same opponent in November as he did two years ago.
"Folks know what their options are," Rogers said.
Rogers said he was thankful for his campaign's hard work and "humbled" by the results of Tuesday's primary. He said he wants to be there for his constituents and advocate for them. He said his primary concern is increasing national security spending and keeping the nation safe.
"They want to know that there's someone in Washington that's looking out for them," Rogers said.
Larry DiChiara congratulated Rogers and said he would still be supportive of the Republican.
"We have got to have control of the House and the Senate if we want to get anything done," DiChiara said. "We need a Republican in the White House. If we have all three of those bodies, we might can reverse some of the stuff that's happened over the last eight years."
DiChiara called the race a "full sprint."
"We gave the folks an alternative," DiChiara said. "We did our best to get the message out. Seventy percent of folks want him to remain their representative, and I certainly respect that and hope he represents his constituents well. That's what they deserve."
Jim Little and Chip Brownlee contributed to this report
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