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EMILY's List Congratulates Terri Sewell on Victory in Primary Run-off in Alabama

Sewell Poised to Be First African American Woman elected to Congress from Alabama

The following is a statement from EMILY’s List president Stephanie Schriock on Terri Sewell’s win in the primary run-off in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.

“EMILY’s List is thrilled to celebrate Terri Sewell’s hard-fought victory in Alabama, where voters responded to Terri’s principled track record of accomplishments, her optimism and dedication to her community, and to her hard work on the campaign trail. In this reliably Democratic district, Terri will continue to campaign toward the general election talking about the issues that matter so much to people in Alabama – jobs and education – and will bring that focus and dedication with her to Washington. EMILY’s List is proud to see Sewell make history in Alabama – and proud to have been with her every step of the way.”

EMILY’s List endorsed Sewell in February 2010 and mobilized an aggressive campaign to help her win a primary against two well-known establishment candidates. Sewell started the race below 5% in the polls and came in first in the four-way primary in June. Sewell garnered endorsements from critical local supporters including the Selma Times Journal and the Birmingham News and from women leaders like fair-pay activist and Alabama native Lilly Ledbetter.

EMILY's List members from across the country contributed to her campaign and the EMILY's List WOMEN VOTE! program independently played a critical role in educating and mobilizing African American women voters in the district in both the primary and the runoff. Communicating through mail, phones and by going door to door in Selma and Birmingham, WOMEN VOTE! helped remind women what’s at stake this election and why Terri Sewell is the candidate best prepared to go to Washington and fight for what people in Alabama need.

In a personal note from earlier this summer to EMILY’s List members, Sewell wrote: “your presence is felt every step of the way. We will make history together!”