Eight candidates – two Democrats and six Republicans - are seeking to replace U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks for the District 5 seat in the U.S. House.
The 5th Congressional District encompasses Huntsville, Madison, Decatur and Florence in North Alabama. Brooks, who has held the seat since 2011, is seeking the U.S. Senate seat to replace the retiring Richard Shelby.
The primaries are set for May 24 with runoff – if needed – set for June 21. The general election is Nov. 8.
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Here is who is running to replace Brooks:
Democrats
Huntsville native making first run for political office. Campaigning on providing greater support for military, especially in areas of mental health.
Decatur resident and former federal employee who went to work in the private sector. Said she wants to provide a “true voice” in Washington. Supports implementing more pre-K programs, expanding trade schools, improving infrastructure in rural areas and supporting access to affordable healthcare.
Republicans
A middle school science teacher at Huntsville’s Academy for Science and Foreign Language, Blaylock operates Grassland Ranch in Athens, where he lives. Among his priorities are reopening the Keystone Pipeline, suspension of federal and Alabama gas taxes until prices go down, support of law enforcement, term limits for Congress and impeaching President Joe Biden.
Hartselle native who now lives in Huntsville, Roberts served as business retention and expansion director for the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce. He said he will work to create economic opportunity in the 5th district, as well as strengthen the border and ending illegal immigration.
A native of Huntsville, Sanford served in the State Senate from 2009-2018. Sanford said he will work on efforts to create and grow jobs, defend civil liberties, protect the border and the rights of the unborn.
A native of Monrovia, Strong is the chair of the Madison County Commission. If elected, Strong said he will stand up for the rights of the unborn, support law enforcement and resist tax increases. Strong described himself as a “Trump conservative.”
Wardynski is an Army veteran who served as Superintendent of Huntsville City Schools from 2011 to 2016. He served as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs under President Trump. Wardynski backs an America first agenda, defending the Second Amendment and limiting federal control over K-12 education.
Wright lives outside of the district in the Blount County town of Hayden. He supports term limits, fighting big tech censorship and securing elections.