Democratic candidate Marilyn Lands is projected to win the special election for Alabama’s 10th House District, according to Decision Desk Headquarters.
Lands, a licensed professional counselor, won the seat over Republican Teddy Powell, a member of the Madison City Council. The seat became vacant after former Rep. David Cole, a Republican, pleaded guilty to voter fraud last year.
The Huntsville-area race was a special election held a month after the state Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are children and the state suspended IVF services. It attracted attention because it focused on the issue of fertilization (IVF). .
Lawmakers then quickly passed legislation addressing civil and criminal liability for IVF providers, prompting some providers to resume services.
“Today, the women and families of Alabama sent a clear message that will resonate not just in Montgomery but across the nation. We must fully restore access to women and protect their right to contraception,” Lands said in a statement.
“To my campaign team and volunteers, I want you to know how much your support means to me, both this election and the last.”
The state legislative district is an unusual one, given its purple political leanings in a mostly red state. Political observers watched the race to determine whether the issues of IVF and abortion could influence voters in this unique state of Alabama.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) Chair Heather Williams called the outcome a “political earthquake” in a statement.
“This special election is a harbinger of things to come. Republicans across the country have been told that attacks on IVF will have repercussions. “We are choosing to fight for ‘electing Democrats across the country,'” she added.
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