(CNN) -- In his campaign to become Alabama's first African-American Democratic nominee for governor, U.S. Rep. Artur Davis downplayed race, bucked the black establishment and watched his opponent rack up endorsements from the state's key minority political groups. His strategy was unconventional, but in the days before the election, it appeared to be working. Davis held a steady lead over Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks in the weeks leading up to the primary, but when the votes came in Tuesday night, Sparks pulled out the win -- stomping Davis with more than 60 percent of the vote. Sparks will face the winner of the Republican contest, which will be decided in a July 13 runoff. Current Republican Gov. Bob Riley could not seek re-election because he is term-limited by law.
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Ron Sparks comes out on top in Democratic primary for Alabama's gubernatorial race
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Major black political groups backed Sparks; Davis declined to solicit endorsements
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Davis was only member of Congressional Black Caucus to vote against health care bill
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"We don't have to have the past dictate our future," Davis said when he announced his bid
They felt that Davis had shunned his own race, personally insulted them with his campaign and stood no chance against a @placeholder candidate in November, Browder said.