Who's running in Alabama's 6th 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 · Gary Palmer 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.
Repealing the Affordable Care Act.
Reducing the regulatory powers of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Protecting gun rights and restricting abortion.
Keeping Republican control of the House and Senate to advance President Trump's agenda.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Alabama's 6th District since January 2015.
Said in 2014 he would serve only 10 years, then ran for a sixth term in 2024, saying God had given him clarity to do so.
Won the August 11, 2026 special Republican primary with about 85% over Case Dixon; endorsed by President Trump.
Had raised $1 million through July 22, 2026, according to the Alabama Reflector.
Arguments in favor
The district's people are 'hardworking, faithful, and conservative to the core… That is who I work for,' and it is time to finish 'the job President Trump started for the American people.'
— Gary Palmer, primary-night statement reported by the Alabama Reflector
The choice is between 'the hardworking families of Alabama' and 'the radical socialist agenda of the Democratic Party that wants to take money out of your pockets, open your borders, and grow the government'.
— Gary Palmer, social media post reported by Alabama Daily News
Arguments against
Palmer should 'think twice the next time he is asked to increase federal spending or raise the debt ceiling.'
— Case Dixon, Republican primary opponent, statement reported by the Alabama Reflector
He broke his 2014 pledge to serve only 10 years by running again in 2024.
— Candidates in both parties in the 2024 race, as reported by the Alabama Reflector
What we couldn’t verify
Palmer's campaign website could not be located.
Whether the candidates will debate had not been reported.
Representation by leaders 'who know their communities, understand Alabama'.
Rolling back tax cuts for 'ultra-billionaires' to address the deficit.
Expanding access to universal health care.
Bipartisan tax relief and lowering costs for families.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Former member of the Pelham City Council.
Won the August 11, 2026 special Democratic primary with about 64%.
Had raised $6,500 through July 22, 2026, according to the Alabama Reflector.
Pelham City Council 2012–2025, the first Black man elected to the council and council president for his last years; business account executive at Spectrum Business.
Pledges to hold 12 town halls in his first two-year term; calls the 6th a 'purple district'.
Says his top first-term priority would be expanding access to universal health care, and would reduce the deficit partly by rolling back tax cuts for the wealthiest.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Mercer could be found, so no arguments are listed for him. Searched: 'Maurice Mercer criticism', 'Maurice Mercer controversy', Palmer campaign and Alabama Republican Party statements, his primary opponents' remarks (ABC 33/40 forum, BirminghamWatch), and the Shelby County Reporter, 1819 News and Alabama Reflector.
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.
The map changed for 2026. After the US Supreme Court's April 2026 decision in Louisiana v. Callais, Alabama reinstated its 2023 Legislature-passed congressional map, which the Supreme Court allowed on June 2; in this district the lines shifted slightly in Elmore and Jefferson counties, and the Cook Political Report puts it at R+17 (previously R+20). The May 19 primary results were voided and special primaries were held on August 11 with no runoff. November 3 is the general election, decided by plurality. Two candidates are certified for the ballot by the Secretary of State (certifications dated August 26, 2026): Republican incumbent Gary Palmer, who beat Case Dixon with about 85%, and Democrat Maurice Mercer, a former Pelham City Council member who beat Ashtyn Kennedy, Keith Pilkington and Jacob Bouma-Sims with about 64%. No independent candidates were certified for any Alabama congressional seat. The district covers central Alabama and the suburbs south of Birmingham, including Shelby 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.