Akin Enters GOP Race for Alabama’s 7th District

Birmingham educator, entrepreneur and nonprofit leader Ammie Akin has entered the Republican special primary for Alabama's 7th Congressional District, promising what she describes as practical, results-driven leadership focused on education, rural communities, economic growth and government accountability.

Akin officially qualified for the Aug. 11 Republican primary following the restoration of Alabama's 2023 congressional map after recent action by the U.S. Supreme Court. The special election is one of four congressional contests created by the court's decision, with the eventual nominees advancing to the Nov. 3 general election. The Republican nominee will face incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, who is unopposed for her party's nomination.

"The people of Congressional District 7 are ready for fresh, productive leadership focused on results—not scoring political points," Akin said. "This district is full of hardworking people, small businesses, and the people who keep it moving every day. They deserve a voice that listens, stands up for them, and won’t back down when it matters. I’m running as an outsider who has spent my career working alongside people across this district, and I’m ready to solve real problems and deliver for Alabama."

Akin is an educator and entrepreneur who has spent nearly 25 years working in Alabama's education system as a classroom teacher, school administrator and university professor. She earned a Doctor of Education degree from Samford University and has worked with schools, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, churches and local governments throughout the state.

Her campaign also highlights her work outside the classroom. In 2023, Akin and her husband, Will, launched Hub in the Hills, a privately funded effort to redevelop a former elementary school into a shared campus for nonprofit organizations serving families and adults with disabilities. According to her campaign, the project is intended to reduce operating costs for participating organizations while expanding services and workforce opportunities.

"I’ve spent my life helping people overcome barriers so families and communities can grow stronger," Akin said. "That’s not a political slogan, it's just what I know how to do."

Throughout her announcement, Akin argued that many of Alabama's challenges require immediate action rather than prolonged debate.

"Children only get one chance at third grade," Akin said. "A child struggling to read today becomes a teenager struggling to graduate tomorrow. A family driving two hours for healthcare can't wait years for access closer to home. A farmer doesn’t get to postpone planting season while waiting for answers, and a small business owner can’t put payroll on hold and come back next year."

She also emphasized local decision-making and praised workers across several industries.

"The people closest to a problem are usually the people most capable of finding the solution," Akin said. "Our teachers aren’t struggling because they don’t work hard. Our healthcare workers aren’t exhausted because they don’t care. The farmers, cattle producers, timber workers, manufacturers, educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, veterans, and small business owners across this district are the people who keep Alabama moving forward, and too often, the people doing the most important work are too busy doing it to advocate for themselves. My commitment to you is that your voice will be heard loud and clear in Washington."

Akin's campaign outlined the following priorities:

• Put Alabama First by prioritizing families, workers, small businesses, and local communities over politics.
• Fight wasteful Washington spending and demand responsible, accountable use of taxpayer dollars.
• Cut red tape so Alabama businesses can grow, create jobs, and compete.
• Strengthen rural healthcare by improving access to quality care and helping rural hospitals stay open.
• Grow rural Alabama by supporting agriculture, timber, job creation, and policies that keep families rooted in their communities.
• Strengthen education by building a true partnership between educators, parents, and the community so every child has the opportunity to succeed.
• Expand broadband access so students, patients, workers, and small businesses are not left behind.
• Invest in modern infrastructure that supports economic development, safer roads, and a better quality of life.
• Support law enforcement, first responders, and the military with the resources they need to keep our communities safe and our nation secure.
• Deliver commonsense results by listening first, solving real problems, and fighting for the people of Alabama.

Closing her announcement, Akin said she hopes to bring a collaborative approach to Congress.

"This district deserves a representative who listens more than she talks, who learns before she lectures, and who knows that good ideas can come from anyone," Akin said. "I’m asking the people of Congressional District 7 to send me to Washington to work for them, represent them with strength and conviction, and deliver real results for hardworking Alabamians."

Akin is one of two Republicans who qualified for the special primary in Alabama's 7th Congressional District. The winner of the Aug. 11 election will advance to the Nov. 3 special general election. Under the special election schedule, no runoff will be held; the highest vote-getter in each party primary will claim the nomination.

For more information: https://www.akinforcongress.com