Gov. Kay Ivey Wednesday appointed Mike Anderton as Jefferson County District Attorney, handing back the office to Republicans. Anderton, a veteran prosecutor, will be sworn-in Friday. "I am proud to appoint Mike Anderton as Jefferson County District Attorney," Ivey said. "Out of all the applicants, Mike had the most experience, and I know he will work effectively, and with integrity, for the people of Birmingham and all of Jefferson County."
In a statement, Anderton said, "I look forward to leading my office in the pursuit of justice, citizens' trust and victims' rights."
Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Sallie Bryant praised the appointment. "We are pleased that Governor Ivey has selected such a highly qualified individual to serve the people of Jefferson County as our District Attorney," Bryant said. “Mike Anderton has an over 30 year track record as a prosecutor in the county — with approximately 350 felony and misdemeanor jury trials to his credit. It is clear that Mr. Anderton possesses all the attributes needed to successfully lead the District Attorney’s Office as it moves forward.
Republicans held the office for decades, until Democrat Charles Todd Henderson's election last year. But Henderson never served because of a perjury charge, of which he was later convicted.