The Alabama Democratic Conference has endorsed Andrew Sneed in the Democratic runoff for Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, giving Sneed a notable boost from one of the state’s most influential Black Democratic organizations ahead of the June 16 runoff.
The ADC, described by the campaign as the Black Caucus of the Alabama Democratic Party, announced the endorsement Monday. Sneed faces Candice Duvieilh in the Democratic runoff for the North Alabama congressional district. The winner will advance in the race for the seat held by U.S. Representative Dale Strong, R-Alabama.
The endorsement comes as Sneed has sought to make voting rights a central issue in the campaign. According to the campaign, the ADC’s decision followed Sneed’s recent statement from the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court condemning the court’s emergency order involving Alabama’s congressional map. The campaign said Sneed criticized what it called a “secretive shadow docket ruling” that allowed Alabama to use maps he argues dilute the voting power of Black voters.
George Hearring, the ADC chair for the 5th Congressional District and a Vietnam veteran, said the organization decided the runoff required a single endorsement.
“Given the congressional runoff in the 5th District, and the incredibly high stakes of this 2026 midterm election, the ADC determined it to be necessary to offer a single endorsement for this consequential runoff election,” Hearring said. “In light of his vocal commitment to restoring the Voting Rights Act and fighting voter suppression, his deep roots in our community, and the strong campaign he has built—we are proud to offer our endorsement for Andrew Sneed. We believe he is the candidate that gives us the best chance to unseat Dale Strong this November, and that together with the ADC, that is exactly what he is going to do.”
Sneed thanked the organization for its support and said he plans to work with the ADC to turn out voters in the runoff and again in November.
“I am honored and grateful to receive the sole endorsement of the Alabama Democratic Conference for this runoff election,” Sneed said. “I have great respect for the historic and continuing contributions they have made, educating and advocating, in our state. I do not take their support for granted and intend to work diligently with them to get out the vote June 16, and again in November. I truly believe we can and will get this done, together.”
The campaign urged voters to go to the polls Tuesday, June 16.
The endorsement gives Sneed organizational support heading into the final stretch of the runoff and places the ADC squarely behind his campaign as Democrats choose their nominee in a district Republicans have held comfortably under Strong.
