Terri Sewell seeks to fill the vacant seat in AL-07

Terri Sewell is running for an open seat in Alabama’s 7th district.  She faces a primary and a general election race.

Terri Sewell has demonstrated her desire to help the citizens of Alabama’s 7th district through her life of dedicated service and commitment to bettering her community.  Her life of service includes campaigns against domestic violence, an emphasis on education, and a trailblazing resume that highlights awards for her service.  Sewell is a committed feminist who would fight for women’s rights in Washington, and we need to work hard to help her win!

Background:

• Graduated with honors from Princeton, received her Masters degree from Oxford University, and her J.D. from Harvard University
• After graduating from Harvard, Sewell served as a judicial law clerk in Birmingham, Alabama to the Honorable Chief Judge U.W. Clemon, United States District Court (AL-ND), Alabama’s first black federal judge
• In 1994, Sewell began practicing law in New York City at Davis Polk & Wardwell, working as a securities attorney for over 10 years
• Sewell was the first black female partner in the Birmingham law firm of Maynard, Cooper, & Gale, P.C., and is one of the only black public finance lawyers in the State of Alabama, representing the city of Selma and several colleges and universities
• Served as the first co-chair of the Women’s Fund “Voices Against Violence” inaugural campaign
• Sewell also helped bring "Teach for America" to Alabama's Black Belt region
• She is listed as an Alabama Super Lawyer for 2008 & 2009 and was honored with the 2007 Minority Business “Rising Star” award by the Birmingham Business Journal
• First African American woman elected to the Selma, Alabama City Council

Sewell’s Position on Key Issues:

• Women’s Rights: Solid feminist
• Reproductive Rights: Supports a woman’s right to choose.

Primary Opponents:

• Earl Hilliard, Jr. (D): state Representative and son of former Rep. Hilliard
• Sheila Smoot (D): Jefferson County Commissioner
• Martha Bozeman (D): political consultant

General Election Opponents:

• Michele Waller (R): microbiologist
• Don Chamberlain (R)
• Carol Hendrickson (R)

Prospects: Sewell has a good chance of winning the June 1 Democratic primary.  Her biggest competition is Earl Hillard, Jr., whose father used to hold the seat, and some see him as the inevitable candidate.  While Hillard has good name recognition, Sewell has out-fundraised him significantly.  The district is heavily democratic, so the Democratic primary and runoff election in July could determine the next representative from the 7th district.

Other Endorsements: EMILY’s List, NOW, NWPC, WCF, NARAL

Website: http://www.sewellforcongress.com/