‘A loss does not define me’: Longtime lawmaker takes to social media after losing her seat

After a bruising primary battle, longtime State Rep. Juandalynn Givan is making it clear that her political career is far from finished. The four-term incumbent issued a defiant message to supporters on social media late Wednesday, just one day after falling short in her bid to retain her seat in State House District 60.

A Change in Leadership

The primary results confirmed a victory for Alicia Escott Lumpkin, a political newcomer with deep ties to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. Lumpkin secured the win with 3,882 votes (52.79%), comfortably outpacing Givan’s 2,438 votes (33.15%) and Nina Taylor’s 1,034 votes (14%).

Lumpkin, a former staffer for Mayor Woodfin, received significant backing from the mayor’s camp. The rivalry between Givan and Woodfin intensified following their mayoral contest last summer, a campaign defined by intense rhetoric between the two candidates. In the final stretch of the primary, Woodfin signaled his support for Lumpkin publicly, while a PAC managed by his associate Daniel Deriso funded radio ads targeting Givan.

Givan’s Defiant Stance

Despite the electoral setback, Givan remains steadfast. Posting to Facebook, she emphasized that while the outcome wasn't what her team anticipated, she refuses to be defined or silenced by a loss. She credited her constituents for their unwavering support throughout her 16-year tenure, noting she leaves office with her faith and voice intact.

Givan stated she leaves with pride, having never backed down from advocating for her district. With her history of engaging audiences through Facebook Live, video commentaries, and a podcast, Givan is expected to remain a prominent voice in the community. She closed her statement by echoing the words of Maya Angelou: “And STILL… I RISE.”

A Statewide Trend

Givan’s exit is part of a larger wave of change across the state. She was one of eight veteran lawmakers across Alabama to lose in Tuesday's primary, four of whom were based in Jefferson County.

“They may have counted votes, but they will never count me out,” Givan said. “Still standing. Still fighting. Still believing.”