Marilyn Lands Scores Upset Victory in Alabama Special Election on Reproductive Rights
Democrat Marilyn Lands scored a major upset victory in Alabama’s state house district 10 special election on Tuesday according to CNN projections. Lands, a licensed professional counselor, defeated Republican opponent Teddy Powell to claim the seat. This win is being seen as a significant victory for Democrats in the traditionally conservative state of Alabama.
Reproductive rights were a major issue in the race, with Lands openly campaigning on her support for abortion access and opposition to Alabama’s near-total abortion ban. Lands discussed having an abortion over 20 years ago after her fetus tested positive for a rare genetic condition. In contrast, Powell focused more on economic issues and avoided discussing abortion rights directly.
How Lands Was Able To Pull Off The Upset
By centering her campaign around reproductive rights, Marilyn Lands was able to energize Democratic voters. And appeal to moderate Republicans concerned about Alabama’s strict new abortion restrictions. Her victory suggests that the overturning of Roe v. Wade and subsequent state abortion bans have galvanized supporters of abortion rights. This race could serve as a warning sign for Republicans heading into the 2024 midterms.
While this special election will not change the partisan balance of power in Alabama, Lands’ win is still a major victory for Democrats in the state. National Democrats are hopeful that concerns over abortion access can help them compete in traditionally Republican areas. The upset win of Marilyn Lands shows that reproductive rights remain a salient issue for voters in 2024.
