Who's running in Alabama's 7th 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 · Terri Sewell 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.
Restoring Voting Rights Act protections through the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Fair representation for Black Belt communities.
Opposing redistricting that dilutes Black voting power.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Alabama's 7th District since January 2011.
Lead sponsor of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act since 2018.
Unopposed in the 2026 Democratic primary.
Had the largest campaign account in Alabama's delegation, about $3.7 million, at the end of March 2026, according to Alabama Daily News.
Arguments in favor
'People in my district bled for the right to vote. Some died for it. And now, six decades later, extremists are trying to drag this country backward… We are not going back.'
— Terri Sewell, House floor remarks reported by Alabama Political Reporter
Arguments against
'Congresswoman Sewell has been in office for over 15 years, and during that time we have seen our industries, agriculture, and many of our communities struggle… Representation should deliver measurable results, not continued decline.'
— Ammie Akin, Republican opponent, reported by the Alabama Gazette
What we couldn’t verify
Sewell's campaign website and 2026 campaign platform beyond voting rights could not be located.
Whether the candidates will debate had not been reported.
Putting families, workers and small businesses over politics.
Fighting wasteful federal spending and cutting red tape.
Strengthening rural health care and keeping rural hospitals open.
Supporting agriculture, timber and rural job creation.
Expanding broadband and investing in infrastructure.
Supporting law enforcement, first responders and the military.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Nearly 25 years in Alabama schools, nonprofits and communities; Doctor of Education, Samford University.
Co-founder of Hub in the Hills; board chair of Unless U.
Won the August 11, 2026 special Republican primary with about 73% over David Perry.
Had raised about $150,700 through July 22, 2026, according to the Alabama Reflector.
Has not held elected office.
Beat David Perry with about 73% in the August 11 special primary.
Arguments in favor
'For far too long, the people of this district have lacked proactive representation they deserve in Washington, D.C.' She says she would be 'relentless' for the district, pointing to a 25-year career as a teacher, principal and nonprofit leader working 'with people' across Alabama.
— Ammie Akin, primary-night statement to Alabama Daily News and ABC 33/40 candidate forum
Arguments against
Unlike Akin, a Birmingham educator, he is 'a son of the district' who grew up there and spent 21 years as a pastor in Selma: 'I know the district, I know what it needs.'
— David Perry, Republican primary opponent, ABC 33/40 candidate forum
What we couldn’t verify
No published argument for or against Akin by her opponent, a party committee or an outlet could be found after searching, so neither column is filled; her own case is reflected in her positions above.
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 set aside the court-drawn map used in 2024 and reinstated its 2023 Legislature-passed map, which the Supreme Court allowed on June 2; litigation over the map continues. The redrawn 7th District remains the state's only majority-Black district but loses Lowndes County and adds Washington, Monroe, Conecuh and all of Clarke counties, alongside Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter and Wilcox counties and parts of Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties. No Republican had qualified for the voided May 19 primary; in the August 11 special primary (no runoff), Ammie Akin won the Republican nomination with about 73% over David Perry. 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): Democratic incumbent Terri Sewell, unopposed, and Republican Ammie Akin. No independent candidates were certified for any Alabama congressional seat.
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.