Eric Major (born April 6, 1968) is an American politician and educator from the state of Alabama. A member of the Democratic Party, Major served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1999 to 2007.
Major owns a public affairs consulting firm and has also worked as a business development and government relations consultant.
Major first ran for the Alabama House in 1994, challenging incumbent Warren Minnifield in the Democratic primary. Major forced Minnifield into a runoff, but lost by a 51âÂÂ49 margin. Major challenged Minnifield again in 1998, and again the two went to a primary runoff; this time, Major prevailed by a 54âÂÂ46 margin, going on to win the general election. Major was re-elected in 2002 but lost his bid for a third term in 2006, suffering a 54âÂÂ46 defeat against Rod Scott in the Democratic primary runoff. After leaving office, Major mounted unsuccessful bids for several offices, including state senate, Jefferson County Treasurer, and Jefferson County Commission.
In 2004, Major was arrested on charges of physically assaulting his ex-fiancée. He was eventually acquitted on the charges. Major sued the city of Birmingham, alleging that his civil rights were violated by the arrest. A judge ruled in his favor, awarding him a $500,000 settlement. Major claimed the domestic abuse allegations were orchestrated by his political rivals.
Major lives in Fairfield.