2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama

The 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, to elect the seven U.S. representatives from the state, one from each of the state's seven congressional districts. The elections coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election. Primary elections were held on March 13, 2012; runoff elections were held on April 24.^[1]

2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama

← 2010 November 6, 2012 (2012-11-06) 2014 →
All 7 Alabama seats to the United States House of Representatives
Majority party Minority party   Party Republican Democratic Last election 6 1 Seats won 6 1 Seat change Popular vote 1,233,624 693,498 Percentage 63.80% 35.87% Swing 9.00% 6.33%
Republican   60–70%   70–80%   90>% Democratic   70–80%

Redistricting

A redistricting bill was passed by the Alabama House of Representatives and Senate on June 2, 2011,^[2] and signed into law by Governor Robert Bentley on June 8.^[3] To comply with the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the map received approval from the U.S. Department of Justice or a federal court before it could be enacted;^[4] the Department of Justice approved the map on November 21, 2011.^[5]

Overview

The table below shows the total number and percentage of votes, as well as the number of seats gained and lost by each political party in the election for the United States House of Representatives in Alabama.

2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama[6]
Party		Votes	Percentage	Seats	+/–
	Republican	1,233,624	63.8%	6	-
	Democratic	693,498	35.9%	1	-
	Write-in	6,508	0.3%	0	-
Totals		1,933,630	100.0%	7	—

District 1

2012 Alabama's 1st congressional district election

← 2010 2014 →

Nominee Jo Bonner Party Republican Popular vote 196,374 Percentage 97.9%

U.S. Representative before election Jo Bonner Republican Elected U.S. Representative Jo Bonner Republican

See also: Alabama's 1st congressional district

The redrawn 1st district remains based in Mobile and continues to include the entirety of the state's coast.^[4] Republican Jo Bonner, who has represented the 1st district since 2003, sought re-election.^[7]

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Jo Bonner, incumbent U.S. Representative^[8]

Eliminated in primary

• Peter Gounares, real estate broker and candidate for this seat in 2010^[9]
• Pete Riehm, real estate agent^[10]
• Dean Young, businessman and conservative activist^[11]

Primary results

Republican primary results^[12]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Jo Bonner (incumbent)	48,481	55.5
	Republican	Dean Young	21,216	24.3
	Republican	Pete Riehm	13,744	15.8
	Republican	Peter Gounares	3,828	4.4
Total votes			87,269	100.0

Democratic primary

No Democrats qualified to seek the nomination.

Clint Moser, who had planned to run against Bonner as an independent, did not do so.^[8]

General election

Endorsements

Jo Bonner (R)

Organizations

• Campaign for Working Families^[13]
• NRA Political Victory Fund^[14]
• National Right to Life Committee^[15]
• United States Chamber of Commerce^[16]

Results

Bonner easily won re-election on November 6, 2012.

Alabama's 1st congressional district, 2012^[6]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Jo Bonner (incumbent)	196,374	97.9
	n/a	Write-ins	4,302	2.1
Total votes			200,676	100.0
	Republican hold

District 2

2012 Alabama's 2nd congressional district election

← 2010 2014 →

Nominee Martha Roby Therese Ford Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 180,591 103,092 Percentage 63.7% 36.2%

County Results Roby:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90% Mathis:      50-60%      70-80%

U.S. Representative before election Martha Roby Republican Elected U.S. Representative Martha Roby Republican

See also: Alabama's 2nd congressional district

The redrawn 2nd district is based in the suburbs of Montgomery and covers the southeast of the state.^[4] Republican Martha Roby, who has represented the 2nd district since January 2011, sought re-election in 2012.^[17]

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Martha Roby, incumbent U.S. Representative

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Therese Ford, former deputy attorney general of Alabama^[17]

Declined

• Bobby Bright, former U.S. Representative^[18]

General election

Endorsements

Martha Roby (R)

Organizations

• Campaign for Working Families^[13]
• Maggie's List^[19]
• NRA Political Victory Fund^[14]
• National Right to Life Committee^[15]
• Susan B. Anthony List^[20]
• United States Chamber of Commerce^[16]

Therese Ford (D)

Labor unions

• AFL-CIO^[21]

Results

Alabama's 2nd congressional district, 2012^[6]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Martha Roby (incumbent)	180,591	63.7
	Democratic	Therese Ford	103,092	36.2
	n/a	Write-ins	270	0.1
Total votes			283,953	100.0
	Republican hold

District 3

2012 Alabama's 3rd congressional district election

← 2010 2014 →

Nominee Mike Rogers John Andrew Harris Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 175,306 98,141 Percentage 64.0% 35.8%

County Results Rogers:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90% Harris:      50-60%      80-90%

U.S. Representative before election Mike Rogers Republican Elected U.S. Representative Mike Rogers Republican

See also: Alabama's 3rd congressional district

The redrawn 3rd district is more favorable to Republicans than its previous incarnation.^[4] Republican Mike Rogers, who has represented the 3rd district since 2003, sought re-election.^[17]

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Mike Rogers, incumbent U.S. Representative

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• John Andrew Harris, child nutrition program worker for Auburn City Schools^[22]

General election

Endorsements

Mike Rogers (R)

Organizations

• Campaign for Working Families^[13]
• NRA Political Victory Fund^[14]
• National Right to Life Committee^[15]
• United States Chamber of Commerce^[16]

John Harris (D)

Labor unions

• AFL-CIO^[21]

Organizations

• National Education Association

Results

Alabama's 3rd congressional district, 2012^[6]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Mike Rogers (incumbent)	175,306	64.0
	Democratic	John Andrew Harris	98,141	35.8
	n/a	Write-ins	483	0.2
Total votes			273,390	100.0
	Republican hold

District 4

2012 Alabama's 4th congressional district election

← 2010 2014 →

Nominee Robert Aderholt Daniel Boman Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 199,071 69,706 Percentage 74.0% 25.9%

County Results Aderholt:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%

U.S. Representative before election Robert Aderholt Republican Elected U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt Republican

See also: Alabama's 4th congressional district

The northern part of Tuscaloosa County was added to the 4th district during redistricting, while most of Blount County was removed.^[4] Republican Robert Aderholt, who has represented the 4th district since 1997, sought re-election.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Robert Aderholt, incumbent U.S. Representative

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Daniel Boman, state representative

Eliminated in primary

• Rick Neighbors, former plant supervisor^[23]

Primary results

Democratic primary results^[24]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Daniel Boman	10,969	51.4
	Democratic	Rick Neighbors	10,353	48.6
Total votes			21,322	100.0

General election

Endorsements

Robert Aderholt (R)

Organizations

• Campaign for Working Families^[13]
• NRA Political Victory Fund^[14]
• National Right to Life Committee^[15]
• United States Chamber of Commerce^[16]

Daniel Boman (D)

Labor unions

• AFL-CIO^[21]

Organizations

• National Education Association

Results

Alabama's 4th congressional district, 2012^[6]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Robert Aderholt (incumbent)	199,071	74.0
	Democratic	Daniel Boman	69,706	25.9
	n/a	Write-ins	341	0.1
Total votes			269,118	100.0
	Republican hold

District 5

2012 Alabama's 5th congressional district election

← 2010 2014 →

Nominee Mo Brooks Charlie L. Holley Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 189,185 101,772 Percentage 64.9% 35.0%

County Results Brooks:      60-70%      70-80%

U.S. Representative before election Mo Brooks Republican Elected U.S. Representative Mo Brooks Republican

See also: Alabama's 5th congressional district

Lawrence and Colbert counties were moved from the 4th district to the 5th district during redistricting.^[4] Republican Mo Brooks, who represented the 5th district since January 2011, sought re-election.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Mo Brooks, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

• Parker Griffith, former U.S. Representative^[25]

Primary results

Republican primary results^[12]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Mo Brooks (incumbent)	65,155	71.0
	Republican	Parker Griffith	26,693	29.0
Total votes			91,848	100.0

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Charlie Holley, Baptist minister^[26]

General election

Endorsements

Mo Brooks (R)

Organizations

• Campaign for Working Families^[13]
• Eagle Forum^[27]
• NRA Political Victory Fund^[14]
• National Right to Life Committee^[15]
• United States Chamber of Commerce^[16]

Charlie Holley (D)

Labor unions

• AFL-CIO^[21]

Results

Alabama's 5th congressional district, 2012^[6]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Mo Brooks (incumbent)	189,185	64.9
	Democratic	Charlie L. Holley	101,772	35.0
	n/a	Write-ins	336	0.1
Total votes			291,293	100.0
	Republican hold

District 6

2012 Alabama's 6th congressional district election

← 2010 2014 →

Nominee Spencer Bachus Penny Bailey Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 219,262 88,267 Percentage 71.2% 28.6%

County Results Bachus:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%

U.S. Representative before election Spencer Bachus Republican Elected U.S. Representative Spencer Bachus Republican

See also: Alabama's 6th congressional district

The redrawn 6th district is centered around the suburbs of Birmingham.^[4] Republican Spencer Bachus, who has represented Alabama's 6th congressional district since 1993, sought re-election.^[28]

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Spencer Bachus, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

• Scott Beason, state senator^[29]
• Al Mickle, businessman and Tea Party activist^[30]
• David Standridge, Blount County Probate Judge^[31]

Withdrawn

• Justin Barkley^[32]
• Stan Pate, businessman^[33]

Endorsements

Scott Beason

Organizations

• Eagle Forum^[27]

Primary results

Republican primary results^[12]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Spencer Bachus (incumbent)	63,359	61.5
	Republican	Scott Beason	28,671	27.9
	Republican	David Standridge	8,120	7.9
	Republican	Al Mickle	2,929	2.7
	Republican	Stan Pate (write-in)	33	0.0
Total votes			103,112	100.0

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Penny Bailey, retired Air Force Colonel

Eliminated in primary

• William Barnes, attorney and nominee for the Senate in 2010^[28]

Primary results

Democratic primary results^[24]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Penny Bailey	5,061	61.0
	Democratic	William G. Barnes	3,229	39.0
Total votes			8,290	100.0

General election

Endorsements

Spencer Bachus (R)

Organizations

• Campaign for Working Families^[13]
• NRA Political Victory Fund^[14]
• National Right to Life Committee^[15]
• United States Chamber of Commerce^[16]

Penny Bailey (D)

Labor unions

• AFL-CIO^[21]

Results

Alabama's 6th congressional district, 2012^[6]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Spencer Bachus (incumbent)	219,262	71.2
	Democratic	Penny Bailey	88,267	28.6
	n/a	Write-ins	573	0.2
Total votes			308,102	100.0
	Republican hold

District 7

2012 Alabama's 7th congressional district election

← 2010 2014 →

Nominee Terri Sewell Don Chamberlain Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 232,520 73,835 Percentage 75.8% 24.1%

County Results Sewell:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%      >90%

U.S. Representative before election Terri Sewell Democratic Elected U.S. Representative Terri Sewell Democratic

See also: Alabama's 7th congressional district

The redrawn 7th district, located on the state's western border, is 64% African American and was made even more favorable to Democrats in the 2010 redistricting.^[4] Incumbent Terri Sewell, who has represented the 7th district since January 2011, sought re-election.^[34]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Terri Sewell, incumbent U.S. Representative

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Don Chamberlain^[35]

Eliminated in primary

• Phil Norris, retired United States Navy submariner^[34]

Primary results

Republican primary results^[12]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Don Chamberlain	11,537	66.1
	Republican	Phillip Norris	5,918	33.9
Total votes			17,455	100.0

General election

Endorsements

Terri Sewell (D)

Labor unions

• AFL-CIO^[21]
• National Association of Letter Carriers^[36]
• United Steelworkers

Organizations

• Humane Society of the United States^[37]
• National Education Association
• National Organization for Women^[38]
• Planned Parenthood Action Fund^[39]

Results

Sewell won the general election, remaining the only Democrat in Alabama's Congressional delegation. This was the last time until 2022 that Republicans contested Alabama's 7th congressional district.

Alabama's 7th congressional district, 2012^[6]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Terri Sewell (incumbent)	232,520	75.8
	Republican	Don Chamberlain	73,835	24.1
	n/a	Write-ins	203	0.1
Total votes			306,558	100.0
	Democratic hold

References

1. "2012 Scheduled Elections". Alabama Secretary of State. Archived from the original on August 8, 2011. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
2. Averette, Justin (June 2, 2011). "Senate, House both approve new map with Chilton in 6th District". The Clanton Advertiser. Archived from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
3. Lowry, Bob (June 8, 2011). "Bentley rejects Huntsville's alternative redistricting plan; signs Legislature's plan into law". The Huntsville Times. Archived from the original on November 24, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
4. Miller, Joshua (June 14, 2011). "Race Ratings: GOP Safe as Can Be in Alabama". Roll Call. Archived from the original on June 17, 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2011.
5. Miller, Joshua (November 21, 2011). "Justice Department Clears New Alabama Lines". Roll Call. Archived from the original on November 23, 2011.
6. "Secretary of State Canvass of Results General Election November 6, 2012" (PDF).
7. Talbot, George (January 13, 2012). "2012 Elections: Candidates qualify for election in Mobile, Baldwin counties". Press-Register. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
8. Altman, George (March 13, 2012). "Rep. Jo Bonner wins GOP nomination for Alabama's 1st Congressional District". Press-Register. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
9. Talbot, George (November 21, 2011). "Peter Gounares to run for 1st Congressional District seat". Press-Register. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
10. Altman, George (September 27, 2011). "Pete Riehm, second conservative challenger to Rep. Jo Bonner, launches campaign". Press-Register. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
11. Altman, George (August 18, 2011). "Conservative Orange Beach businessman Dean Young to challenge Jo Bonner in GOP primary". Press-Register. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
12. "Republican Primary Results - Certified" (PDF). Secretary of State of Alabama. March 23, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 11, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
13. "2012 Candidate Endorsements". cwfpac.com. Archived from the original on June 26, 2013. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
14. "Upcoming Election - Alabama". Archived from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
15. "Alabama Endorsements" (PDF). National Right to Life. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 23, 2013. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
16. "Help With Voting". Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
17. Kitchen, Sebastian (January 14, 2012). "Candidates qualify for elections". Montgomery Advertiser. Archived from the original on January 19, 2012. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
18. "Bobby Bright decides against another run for Congress". al.com. Associated Press. January 13, 2012. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
19. "Maggie's List is pleased to endorse these conservative women candidates". maggieslist.org. Maggie's List. Archived from the original on August 26, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
20. "2012 Candidate List" (PDF). sba-list.org. June 27, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 14, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
21. "Alabama AFL-CIO". Vote Smart. votesmart.org. Archived from the original on May 7, 2013. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
22. Morand, Rachel (January 19, 2012). "Primary election races set for campaigning". The Auburn Villager. Archived from the original on January 23, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
23. Doyle, Steve (January 14, 2012). "Congressman Robert Aderholt draws two last-minute Democratic challengers". The Huntsville Times. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
24. "Democratic Primary Results - Certified" (PDF). Secretary of State of Alabama. March 22, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 11, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
25. Roop, Lee (January 12, 2012). "Parker Griffith says he will challenge Mo Brooks again for Congress". The Huntsville Times. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
26. Gattis, Paul (December 16, 2011). "Holley's ambition is to be 'servant' as Democratic candidate for 5th Congressional District". The Huntsville Times. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
27. "2012 Candidates Endorsed By Eagle Forum PAC". eagleforum.org/. February 12, 2013. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
28. Dean, Charles J. (January 13, 2012). "Stan Pate throws hat in crowded field for 6th Congressional District". The Birmingham News. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
29. Rawls, Phillip (January 13, 2012). "Beason challenges Bachus in GOP race for Congress". Montgomery Advertiser. Archived from the original on January 16, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
30. Moseley, Brandon (January 13, 2012). "Tea Party Activist Mickle Continues Campaign For Congress". Alabama Political Reporter. Archived from the original on January 19, 2012. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
31. Dean, Charles J. (January 13, 2012). "Judge David Standridge throws hat in ring for Alabama's 6th Congressional District". The Birmingham News. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
32. "State Certification Amended-Primary Candidate Certification-Republican Party" (PDF). Alabama Secretary of State. January 30, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
33. Beyerle, Dana (February 3, 2012). "Pate pulls out of congressional primary". The Gadsden Times. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
34. Dean, Charles J. (January 13, 2012). "U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell uncontested in Democratic primary". The Birmingham News. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
35. Beyerle, Dana (January 19, 2012). "Two state candidates for Congress can't vote for themselves". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
36. "NALC-ENDORSED CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES" (PDF). NALC. pp. 3–4. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
37. "Humane USA PAC". votesmart.org. Archived from the original on November 15, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
38. "2012 NOW PACs Endorsements: All Federal Races". Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
39. "Planned Parenthood Action Voter guide - AL". Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2023.

External links

• Elections from the Alabama Secretary of State
• Alabama Votes, government election center
• United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama, 2012 at Ballotpedia
• Alabama U.S. House at OurCampaigns.com
• Campaign contributions for U.S. Congressional races in Alabama at OpenSecrets
• Outside spending at the Sunlight Foundation
• Election news coverage from AL.com