Ammie Akin wins Republican nomination in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District

Ammie Akin won the Republican nomination for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District Tuesday night.

As of 9:26 p.m., Akin, a former educator, had 6,094 votes (72.58%) in unofficial returns. David Perry, a retired pastor, had 2,302 votes (27.42%) in unofficial returns. The Alabama Secretary of State’s office reported a 3.84% voter turnout.

Following a special session of the Legislature, Gov. Kay Ivey in May called a special election for the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th congressional districts after a U.S. Supreme Court order allowed the state to use a 2023 Legislature-passed congressional map, instead of a court-ordered one.

Akin said in a statement Tuesday night that she looked forward “to sharing a new vision for our district in Congress.”

“The people of the 7th District deserve a representative who is innovative, forward thinking and courageous in keeping America’s values at the forefront of this district,” the statement said.  “I will campaign tirelessly to earn the trust of every voter and when elected, I will make sure Alabama’s 7th Congressional District is never taken for granted.”

Akin stated that her campaign will focus on delivering responsive leadership, strengthening economic opportunity, supporting Alabama’s agricultural and industrial sectors, and ensuring the voices of the people of the 7th District are heard in Washington.

According to campaign finance reports, Akin raised $150,730.44 and spent $34,794.29 through July 22. As of Tuesday afternoon, Perry had not reported any finances.

Akin will face U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, who has held the seat since 2011, in the November election. While the new map approved by the Alabama Legislature in May reduced the Black Voting Age population in the district, it is still considered strongly Democratic.