With redistricting and new congressional maps chosen by a court, Alabama created a second minority-majority district, nearly ensuring a second Democratic seat in the state. But all of the districts saw some changes.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) picked up parts of the more conservative District 7, currently held by U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover).
If there were any questions about whether she intended to moderate her progressive approach and reach out to conservative voters to prioritize the issues that matter to them, she answered them with a poll in her latest newsletter.
Before her survey she vowed, “And I will work with anyone — Democrat or Republican — to bring down costs and make life more affordable for you and your family.”
She included a list of potential top priorities for her constituents to choose from. “Dismantling racial inequities” and “advancing environmental justice” are two of the seven options. Healthcare has two choices on the poll, “Expanding Access to Health Care” and “Improving Access to Affordable Health Care.”
On “Protecting the Right to Vote and Safeguarding our Democracy,” she said, “I will continue fighting to protect our voting rights.”
Dear Alabama,
Today, I was officially sworn in to continue representing Alabama's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Serving as your Congresswoman is my greatest honor and a responsibility that I never take lightly.
The 119th Congress will bring new opportunities and new challenges. But whatever comes our way, I will be working hard every day to bring more resources to the people of our district.
I will continue fighting to protect our voting rights, expand access to health care, and make our communities safer.
I will continue to stand up against cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and the programs that so many Alabamians rely on.
And I will work with anyone — Democrat or Republican — to bring down costs and make life more affordable for you and your family.
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY FOR 2025?
What is your TOP priority for 2025?*
Lowering Costs and Strengthening our Economy
Protecting the Right to Vote and Safeguarding our Democracy
Expanding Access to Health Care
Combatting Gun Violence
Improving Access to Affordable Health Care
Dismantling Racial Inequities
Advancing Environmental Justice
Other (please specify)
Sewell appears to be referencing her bill, the “John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act,” which includes provisions many have said will weaken voting integrity."
In a related press release, she stated in part, “Our very democracy are under attack as MAGA extremists target voters with new laws to restrict voting access.”
In a letter to then-Speaker Pelosi when the bill was released in 2021, a group of 15 Republicans said Sewell’s bill " unconstitutionally expands the federal government’s ability to reject commonsense reforms enacted at the state level related to things like voter ID laws, absentee voting, maintenance of voter rolls, the location of polling places, and the hours of operation.”
More recently, Sewell voted against the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at aprylmarie.fogel@1819news.com or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
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