A liberal, transgender candidate running for Alabama House District 25 is facing steep odds in his campaign to unseat Republican incumbent State Rep. Phillip Rigsby (R-Huntsville). The district, which historically leans Republican in state elections, includes much of Madison County as well as a small section of neighboring Limestone County.
To win the contest, Allison Montgomery, a biological male who identifies as female, will have to pull off a sizable upset, given the area's conservative voting trends.
For instance, during the 2024 presidential election, 53.5% of votes cast in Madison County were for President Donald Trump, compared to 44.4% for Kamala Harris, a difference of 17,640 votes. Additionally, in the 2024 fifth congressional district election, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) ran unopposed, securing 126,175 votes, or 93.02% of the vote.
Further compounding Montgomery's poor chances is HD25's long-standing tradition of sending a Republican to the state capitol for representation. From 2006 to 2022, the seat was held by former State Rep. Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia). Following McCutcheon's tenure in office, Rigsby ran against Democrat Mallory Hagan, earning 57.9% of the vote (10,813) to Hagan's 41.9% (7,837).
On an online campaign website, Montgomery describes himself as a grassroots advocate for the Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition. He also notes that he is both a "proud Eagle Scout and practicing Christian."
The primary for HD25 is set for May 19, with the general election scheduled for November 3.
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