‘We are going to win:’ New Democrat nominee Andrew Sneed on showdown with GOP Rep. Dale Strong

The race for Alabama's 5th Congressional District is officially set. Business owner and plumber Andrew Sneed secured the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, setting the stage for a November 3 showdown against incumbent U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Monrovia.

A Decisive Primary Victory

Sneed dominated the Democratic runoff, maintaining a commanding lead throughout the evening and ultimately capturing nearly 80% of the vote. His victory over educator Candice Duvieihl marks what he describes as only the first step in his pursuit of the seat currently held by Strong, who is vying for a third term after first winning election in 2022.

The Campaign Battleground

Sneed enters the general election with a campaign built on the theme of 'Hear Every Voice.' During his victory speech, the challenger took aim at Strong's record, specifically calling out the incumbent for a lack of town hall meetings over the past two years. According to Sneed, voters across the district are feeling the strain of rising costs, healthcare instability, and general economic anxiety.

Despite the momentum from his runoff win, Sneed faces a steep climb in the fundraising department. Federal Election Commission filings as of late April show Strong holding over $1.4 million in cash on hand. In contrast, Sneed’s path to the nomination was fueled by a $143,338 war chest reported on May 27, significantly outpacing his runoff opponent's $7,231.

Looking Toward November

Sneed remains confident that the political climate—influenced by the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration and the actions of the Republican-controlled Congress—could pave the way for a Democrat to flip the seat, which has remained in Republican hands since Mo Brooks took office in 2010.

Campaigning under the slogan 'Fix the House,' Sneed is part of a broader coalition of more than 100 candidates across 38 states known as Take BAC Congress. On the other side of the aisle, Rep. Strong continues to lean into his role as a vocal proponent of the administration’s agenda since President Trump returned to the White House following the 2024 election.