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Robert Earl Albright (April 9, 1936 – November 27, 2023) was an American politician who served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1974 to 1986. A member of the Democratic Party, Albright represented the 20th and later the 21st district in the Huntsville area. He began his career as a schoolteacher.

Early life and education

Robert Earl Albright was born on April 9, 1936, and was a native of Paint Rock, Alabama. His brother, Ray Albright, served in the Tennessee Senate. He graduated from Central High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force. During his period of service he represented the United States Air Force Academy's Air Force Falcons in the national Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament. Albright attained a degree from Athens State University, which he attended on the G.I. Bill from his service in the Air Force.

Career

Albright worked as a biology teacher, sports coach and vocational counselor at schools for 25 years. While working in education, Albright was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1974, representing the Huntsville, Alabama, area in the state house's 20th district. One of Albright's primary opponents, Marcus "Bulldog" Daniel, was a neighbor who lived on the same street as him. Albright and Daniel advanced to a runoff election, which Albright won with 56% of the vote to Daniel's 44%. Albright won in the general election with 70% of the vote against Republican nominee Bill Albritton, during an election cycle that "wiped out" Republicans in the state house, according to the Birmingham Post-Herald.

During his tenure, Albright was noted for his work in upholding the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in Huntsville, ensuring the city's compliance with the law, as well as pursuing equity in Alabama legislation. In 1976, Albright was part of successful opposition to the state budget proposed by Governor George Wallace, which Albright said pitted funding for state employees against education, at a time when both departments were in "dire need". Albright advocated for raising taxes to increase funding for both areas. Albright also worked to secure a state grant for video equipment at the media departments of the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Lee High School. In 1983, Albright was redistricted to the 21st district during a special legislative election. The district remained in the Huntsville area and Albright defeated Republican nominee Keith B. Wilson with 54% of the vote in the special election.

Albright served as a delegate from Alabama to the 1984 Democratic National Convention. In 1986, Albright lost a Democratic primary challenge to former representative Dewayne Freeman, unseating him. In 1990, Albright attempted to mount a comeback when he challenged state senator Bill Smith in the Democratic primary. Albright was financially supported by the Alabama Education Association and a trial lawyers' lobbying group with over $42,000 to his campaign, but lost the election to Smith. After leaving the Alabama Legislature, Albright worked in building engines and was a frequent speaker on civics at Scouting activities.

Personal life and death

Albright was married to Joan Hall, who died in 2022; the couple had three children together: Robert, Jr., Joseph, and Cherise. Albright died at his home in Florence, Alabama, on November 27, 2023, at the age of 87.

References

1. ^ "Obituary: Robert Earl Albright, Sr". Berryhill Funeral Home & Cemetery. November 27, 2023. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
2. ^ Koplowitz, Howard (December 1, 2023). "Bob Albright, former state House member who represented north Alabama, dead at 87". AL.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
3. ^ Mitchell, Taylor (December 1, 2023). "Former Huntsville representative Robert Albright dies at 87". WHNT-19. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
4. ^ Wasson, Don F. (February 17, 1974). "175 Announce Candidacy for House, 44 Enter Senate Race". The Montgomery Advertiser. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
5. "1979 Legislature To Have A Facelifting". Alabama Journal. September 7, 1978. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
6. "Official Canvass Made Of Democratic Runoff". The Montgomery Advertiser. June 12, 1974. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
7. Bryant, Ted (November 7, 1974). "Elections wipe out Republican membership of House". The Birmingham Post-Herald. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
8. Bryant, Ted (November 1, 1974). "44 Alabama House of Representatives seats up for grabs Tuesday". The Birmingham Post-Herald. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
9. "Wallace returns after budget loss". The Anniston Star. May 19, 1976. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
10. Beaird, Brett (Winter 1986). "The People Behind The Performance". UAH Feedback. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
11. "Qualifiers For Alabama's Nov. 8 Special Election". The Opelika-Auburn News. October 4, 1983. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
12. "Results in Alabama house races". The Anniston Star. November 9, 1983. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
13. Bryant, Ted (June 12, 1986). "Only six legislative incumbents lost in primary". The Birmingham Post-Herald. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
14. "PAC power: Election efforts of lobby groups show mixed success". The Anniston Star. October 25, 1990. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
15. "Joan Albright Obituary (1945 - 2022)". AL.com. October 10, 2022. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.

• 1936 births
• 2023 deaths
• Schoolteachers from Alabama
• Athens State University alumni
• Democratic Party members of the Alabama House of Representatives
• People from Jackson County, Alabama
• People from Florence, Alabama
• 20th-century members of the Alabama Legislature