2 hours ago - Politics

Dale Strong wins third term in tight 5th District race

Derek Lacey

Man in a dark suit and red tie speaks at a podium with the presidential seal, flanked by officials; a woman in red on the left, ornate gold decor and a portrait in the background. — Dale Strong fended off a challenge from Andrew Sneed to win a third term Tuesday night. Photo: Courtesy of Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Republican Dale Strong has won a third term representing North Alabama's 5th Congressional District, the Associated Press projected Tuesday night.

Why it matters: Strong held his seat in a historically Republican district, running on his record in Washington and touting his district appropriations as Election Day approached. His victory came as changing demographics in the 5th District signaled a turn left.

Catch up quick: With no Republican opposition in the primary, Strong faced Democratic newcomer Andrew Sneed in the general election, winning with 53% of the vote, according to the AP.

Zoom in: Strong, a former Madison County Commission chair, first won his seat in 2022.

He spent the campaign emphasizing his work in business and investment in the district, especially around Redstone Arsenal and with U.S. Space Command's ongoing relocation.
Strong repeatedly declined to debate Sneed or hold public town halls during the campaign.

By the numbers: The margin was 53% to 47% when the race was called Tuesday night, bucking the Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+15 for the district even as the earlier primaries showed Democratic voters picking up steam, especially in Madison County.

Strong ran unopposed in 2024, and won more than 67% of the vote in 2022.
The New York Times reports the 5th District moved 22 points toward Democrats compared with 2024.

The bottom line: See the full, unofficial results here.

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Dale Strong wins third term in tight 5th District race

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