HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The next time the U.S. House of Representatives District 5 seat appears on the ballot is still more than a year away, however, candidates are already tossing their hats in the ring.
On Monday, Democrat Jeremy Devito held a campaign kickoff breakfast in Huntsville. He met with potential supporters and answered questions on a wide range of issues.
“The next election is going to determine a lot of things for generations to come,” Devito told News 19. He said he believes he’s the best person to make the decisions for the people of Alabama’s 5th District.
In addition to answering questions about abortion and DEI, Devito shared his thoughts on the current Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices. He told News 19 that this is a top issue for him.
“Right now, people are being kidnapped, snatched up off the street and not afforded due process,” Devito said.
He also said “restoring” women’s rights is a top issue for him.
According to the platform listed on his website, “every woman deserves full control over her body, her choices, and her future. That includes access to abortion, birth control, maternal care, and the full range of reproductive healthcare.”
He told News 19, “This is a war on women and health care.”
This is Devito’s first attempt at any political aspirations. He told News 19 that he has worked “behind the scenes” as a member of the Limestone County Democratic Executive Committee, but that he was inspired to run and make a change.
While the November 3, 2026, election is still more than 500 days away, he said it was important to get his name out there early and start building a base.
He said it will be challenging to run in a predominantly red district, but that he believes voters need another option. Especially after U.S. Congressman Dale Strong won re-election in 2024 after running unopposed.
“He won the election by default,” Devito told News 19.
At a speaking engagement in Athens on Monday, U.S. Representative Dale Strong told a News 19 reporter that he does plan to run in 2026.
“I’ll be on the ballot in the next election, and I believe our republic is alive and well,” Rep. Strong said.
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