HUNSTVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — North Alabama will have at least one Democrat running for Congress in 2026. Andrew Sneed announced he is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Dale Strong for his seat in Congress. He launched his campaign at an event on Saturday.
Sneed tells News 19 he feels politics are a major source of division for people at the moment, but he believes his community can come together and make something better.
“What we offer is something different,” Sneed said. “A politics that listens. A politics that isn’t politics. It’s just service.”
Sneed said, as a member of Congress, he would be accessible, listening to the voices of North Alabamians.
“It’s just so important that we don’t feel siloed, that we meet people where they are and know that they’re valued, they’re seen, they’re heard, and that they have a representative who is there to represent them,” Sneed said.
He is a small business owner who was born and raised in the district. Sneed said he wants to represent workers and prioritize education funding.
Sneed does not support cuts to Medicaid, Social Security or the VA, but he believes there is a need to reduce the national debt.
“We’re all in uncertainty right now,” Sneed said. “The cost of living is too high. Across the board, I think district and nation, everyone knows that our national debt is unsustainable. We have an incumbent that has just voted to add $4 trillion to a $40 trillion deficit. That is not being a fiscally responsible person.”
Strong was elected to the seat in 2022. Throughout his time in office, he has been a consistent supporter of the Trump Administration ’s policies.
During a visit to Madison County last month, Strong told News 19 he is focused on bringing Space Command to Huntsville, saying he believes the move is cost-efficient and will benefit Madison County.
The fifth district race will be decided in November 2026.