State media outlets are reporting that Alabama Senate minority leader Bobby Singleton intends to form an exploratory committee to consider running for the U.S. Congress in District 7. Singleton, a native of Hale County, has been representing the 24th District, which encompasses much of the Black Belt, since 2005. Previous to that, Singleton had been a member of the Alabama House of Representatives and, earlier, of Greensboro’s city council.
The District 7 seat is currently held by Rep. Terri Sewell, who has been representing the district in Washington, D.C. since 2011. Sewell has confirmed her intention to run for re-election.
Singleton expressed his enthusiasm about the potential run, stating, “I’m looking forward to making a run for the seventh congressional district.” He said he believes representation for the Black Belt has been lacking and is eager to bring about a change.
Singleton said he discussed his plans with several consultants during a weekend trip to Washington, D.C., and is in the process of setting up an exploratory committee.
District 7 covers a significant portion of Jefferson County, including Birmingham, and also includes large parts of the Black Belt and Selma, which is Sewell’s hometown. The Special Master’s Remedial Plans in the recent federal lawsuit over Alabama’s congressional districts indicate that the percentage of Black voting- age population in District 7 ranges from 51.9% to 52.8%.
Singleton emphasized the importance of effective representation for both Jefferson County and Birmingham. He stated, “[I’m looking to be] someone who can represent them both effectively. I look forward to it.”
The qualifying period for the congressional races is set to begin on September 29 and will continue until November 10. Singleton remains optimistic about his potential run, saying, “There’s nothing definite. At the end of the day, I look forward to representing that district. If the exploratory committee comes back with something positive, we’ll be in it. If not, we wish [Sewell] good luck.”
