In Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District, a longtime GOP incumbent faces a newcomer

The race in Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District features a well-entrenched Republican incumbent and a Democratic newcomer.

The 3rd Congressional District in east Alabama, covering includes Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Lee, Randolph, St. Clair and Talladega counties, will feature U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, against Democratic nominee Lee McInnis.

The contest is not expected to be competitive. Cook Political Report rates Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District as an R+23, “solid Republican” district. Rogers has a major edge in fundraising, and has about $2.5 million on hand to McInnis’ $9,462.

Rogers, who has represented the 3rd Congressional District since 2003, chairs the powerful U.S. House Armed Services Committee. In response to emailed questions, Rogers sent a statement that he was focused on “lifting up our communities and advancing conservative policies.”

“I have been proud to champion President Trump’s peace through strength agenda in Congress, and the next two years must focus on completing what the Administration and Congressional Republicans have started,” the statement said.

McInnis, a military veteran who has worked as a teacher and in the defense industry, said he chose to run because “no one was stepping up.”

“After 30-plus years of serving the nation in the Army and the intelligence community, it just became clear to me my service had not ended like I thought it had,” he said.

McInnes said his chief goal is to improve the quality of life for residents. During an interview on Wednesday, he listed obstacles that people in the community face, including the long distances that people must travel to deliver a baby during pregnancy and the healthcare benefits they are losing as insurance companies scale back coverage.

“We talk about how everybody in this district should have an equal shot at having a healthy life, and that includes healthcare, that includes clean water, that includes universal lunches for school children.”

The Democratic nominee criticized Rogers for voting in 2025 for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which among other provisions cut Medicaid funding and requires states like Alabama to pay more for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). State officials have said that Alabama could be on the hook for $174 million if it does not reduce the error rate, a measurement of changing household circumstances for those on the program.

Rogers in a statement in July 2025 cited the bill’s increased spending on defense as a reason for his support.

McInnis says he would make healthcare a priority and improve the quality of jobs and pay.

“If two people in a household are each working 40 hours per week, you should be able to survive,” McInnis said. “You should have enough money to live.”

McInnis also said he would work to improve the quality of jobs, saying “what really need are jobs that pay better money, that pay a living wage.” He also said he would work to improve water and broadband infrastructure in the area.

Rogers has often cited his work to secure federal money for the district, including $10 million for Jacksonville State University from earmarked requests and $6.5 million for the Advanced Manufacturing Center for Workforce Development facility at Auburn University.

“We must enhance our national security, boost our economy, and protect unborn lives,” Rogers said in the statement.

McInnis said people should vote for him because he will work to improve the lives of people in the 3rd District.

“My entire adult life has been in service to this country, and in service to the people of this country, and this is a continuation of that service,” McInnis said.