With the Republican runoff in Senate District 26 approaching, family members of the late State Senator Gary Stubblefield are speaking publicly about the race, their endorsement of Wade Dunn, and the legacy of the longtime senator.
Amber Sullivan, Stubblefield’s daughter, described District 26 as “one of the most contentious [races] in the state,” with the proposed prison project at the center of the fight.
“I know my dad, along with Sen. Bryan King, has fought relentlessly against that,” she said. “We’ve got to have someone in that seat that will fight the way my dad did. And we believe that Wade Dunn is that guy.”
She explained that she and her mother, Kathi Stubblefield, reached out to Dunn after Sen. Stubblefield’s death.
“We decided that we were going to reach out to Wade and see if he’d run.
Sullivan also addressed questions about why her father did not endorse Dunn in the 2022 primary.
“It was asked that he would not get involved in that because of her relationship with Lee,” she said, referring to Sen. Stubblefield’s mother being a patient of Rep. Lee Johnson.
Responding to claims that Dunn is using the Stubblefield name, Sullivan was direct.
“Wade is absolutely not using our name.”
On the prison issue, Sullivan said the project remains deeply personal and statewide in impact.
“The way that it all started was so wrong and so hurtful to my dad,” she said. “Other parts of the state are going to be affected by this prison, not just us.”
She said legislators who opposed the prison are now facing targeted opposition.
“There is no doubt there’s an agenda,” Sullivan said.
Addressing differing endorsements from extended family members, Sullivan emphasized that her mother alone speaks for her father’s legacy.
“My mother, Kathi Stubblefield… she’s the only one that has the right to speak on his behalf.”
Sullivan acknowledged the emotional toll of the campaign.
“I draw strength from the Lord and I draw strength from my father,” she said. “If he can do that, I can do this.”
As early voting begins January 27 and Election Day approaches on February 3, Sullivan urged participation.
“Please really consider what is at stake for this election,” she said. “Just get out and vote… we really, really need your vote.”
Conduit News reached out to both candidates in the runoff. Brad Simon declined an interview. Wade Dunn spoke with Conduit, and you can see that interview here.
