Who's running in Alabama's 5th congressional district
2 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
2 candidates · ballot order · Dale Strong currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Putting 'America first' and continuing the administration's agenda.
Bringing down grocery and fuel prices.
Border security.
Supporting data centre development, provided it does not raise residents' power costs.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Alabama's 5th District since January 2023.
Former chairman of the Madison County Commission.
Unopposed in the May 19, 2026 Republican primary; endorsed by President Trump.
Had about $1.3 million in campaign cash at the end of March 2026, according to Alabama Daily News.
Arguments in favor
His record speaks for itself — heightened border security and job growth in north Alabama: 'I hope they look at my record and what we've accomplished in a short amount of time in D.C., and I think the people are pretty pleased.'
— Dale Strong, to WAFF 48
'We put America first. I think that's where we're going. Of course, we're not there yet… grocery prices right now are the biggest thing that we need to be focused on.'
— Dale Strong, to WAFF 48
Arguments against
'I think [Strong's] a poor representative, in terms of listening to people. I think he intentionally divides people… votes against the interest of this district time and again.'
— Andrew Sneed, Democratic opponent, to Alabama Political Reporter
He backed DOGE cuts at the expense of federal jobs in the district and tariff policies that required a $12 billion farmer bailout, and at a reported $25 million net worth there is 'a disconnect' with struggling constituents.
— Andrew Sneed, Democratic opponent, to Alabama Political Reporter
What we couldn’t verify
Strong's campaign website could not be located.
Whether Strong will attend the town hall debates Sneed has invited him to had not been reported.
Congressional term limits, a ban on congressional stock trading and a lobbying moratorium for former members.
Overturning Citizens United to limit corporate influence in elections.
Extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and more affordable health care.
Rolling back tariffs and lowering grocery and gas prices.
Increased funding for schools and teachers.
Frequent public town halls; caution on data centres.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Founder and head of Whole Home Solutions, a Huntsville mechanical contracting business.
Bachelor's degree, Boston University.
Won the June 16, 2026 Democratic runoff over Candice Duvieilh.
Raised about $102,000 in the first quarter of 2026, the most of any Alabama non-incumbent, according to Alabama Daily News.
Has not held elected office.
Endorsed by the Alabama Democratic Conference ahead of the June 16 runoff, which he won with about 78%.
Says he outraised Strong in individual contributions twice this cycle, with no corporate or AIPAC money; has held town halls across the district and invited Strong, who declined.
Arguments in favor
'In light of his vocal commitment to restoring the Voting Rights Act and fighting voter suppression, his deep roots in our community, and the strong campaign he has built,' he is 'the candidate that gives us the best chance to unseat Dale Strong this November.'
— George Hearring, Alabama Democratic Conference 5th District chair, endorsement reported by Alabama Political Reporter
Arguments against
'I don't even know who the other guy is.'
— Rep. Dale Strong, Republican opponent, at an Auburn research lab ribbon cutting, reported by Spectrum News
What we couldn’t verify
No published argument for or against Sneed by his opponent, a party committee or an outlet could be found after searching, so neither column is filled; Strong told WAFF he is 'not running against him'.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Alabama held its regular primaries on May 19, 2026 with runoffs on June 16; November 3 is the general election, decided by plurality. After the US Supreme Court's April 2026 decision in Louisiana v. Callais, Alabama reinstated its 2023 Legislature-passed congressional map (allowed by the Supreme Court on June 2); special primaries were held only in the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th districts, and the 5th District's results stood. Two candidates are certified for the ballot by the Secretary of State (certifications dated August 26, 2026): Republican incumbent Dale Strong, unopposed in his primary, and Democrat Andrew Sneed, who beat Candice Duvieilh in the June 16 runoff after a three-way primary. No independent candidates were certified for any Alabama congressional seat. The district covers north Alabama, anchored by Huntsville and Madison County.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Alabama ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.