Both candidates faced off just nine months earlier in a special election for the seat. Brown, a Republican, won that race with more than 55 percent of the vote.
The seat became available after Rep. Lea Fite died of a heart attack in October last year.
Brown, a 59-year-old funeral home owner of Jacksonville, served 19 days in the last legislative session.
“We’re thrilled to have won and won by the margin that we won,” Brown said. “I’m looking forward to going back to Montgomery at what looks like will be quite a different makeup.”
According to the Associated Press, Tuesday numbers appeared to show Republicans gained control of the state Legislature for the first time in 136 years.
Whaley, a 48-year-old teacher at Jacksonville High School, said he enjoyed the campaign despite the result.
“I had a good time running and met some great people,” Whaley said. “It’s not the end of the world. One thing I can control is my attitude and it will be good.”
Whaley said earlier polling numbers showed he was behind, but he intended to continue fighting anyway.
“I just wanted my boys and my students to see that I wouldn’t quit,” Whaley said.
Whaley said he would participate in politics again.
“I’m just getting started,” he said.
— Patrick McCreless
