2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama

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 Steady Steady
Popular vote 1,233,624 693,498
Percentage 63.80% 35.87%
Swing Decrease 3.06% Increase 5.24%

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.

Redistricting

A redistricting bill was passed by the Alabama House of Representatives and Senate on June 2, 2011, and signed into law by Governor Robert Bentley on June 8. 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; the Department of Justice approved the map on November 21, 2011.

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
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

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

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary
  • Peter Gounares, real estate broker and candidate for this seat in 2010
  • Pete Riehm, real estate agent
  • Dean Young, businessman and conservative activist

Primary results

Republican primary results
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.

General election

Endorsements

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report Safe R November 5, 2012
Rothenberg Safe R November 2, 2012
Roll Call Safe R November 4, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball Safe R November 5, 2012
NY Times Safe R November 4, 2012
RCP Safe R November 4, 2012
The Hill Safe R November 4, 2012

Results

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

Alabama's 1st congressional district, 2012
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%
Ford:      50–60%      70–80%
U.S. Representative before election

Martha Roby
Republican

 Elected U.S. Representative

Martha Roby
Republican

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

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee
  • Therese Ford, former deputy attorney general of Alabama
Declined

General election

Endorsements

Therese Ford (D)

Labor unions

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report Safe R November 5, 2012
Rothenberg Safe R November 2, 2012
Roll Call Safe R November 4, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball Safe R November 5, 2012
NY Times Safe R November 4, 2012
RCP Safe R November 4, 2012
The Hill Safe R November 4, 2012

Results

Alabama's 2nd congressional district, 2012
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

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

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

General election

Endorsements

Mike Rogers (R)

Organizations

John Harris (D)

Labor unions

Organizations

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report Safe R November 5, 2012
Rothenberg Safe R November 2, 2012
Roll Call Safe R November 4, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball Safe R November 5, 2012
NY Times Safe R November 4, 2012
RCP Safe R November 4, 2012
The Hill Safe R November 4, 2012

Results

Alabama's 3rd congressional district, 2012
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

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

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary
  • Rick Neighbors, former plant supervisor

Primary results

Democratic primary results
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

Daniel Boman (D)

Labor unions

Organizations

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report Safe R November 5, 2012
Rothenberg Safe R November 2, 2012
Roll Call Safe R November 4, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball Safe R November 5, 2012
NY Times Safe R November 4, 2012
RCP Safe R November 4, 2012
The Hill Safe R November 4, 2012

Results

Alabama's 4th congressional district, 2012
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

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

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary

Primary results

Republican primary results
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

General election

Endorsements

Charlie Holley (D)

Labor unions

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report Safe R November 5, 2012
Rothenberg Safe R November 2, 2012
Roll Call Safe R November 4, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball Safe R November 5, 2012
NY Times Safe R November 4, 2012
RCP Safe R November 4, 2012
The Hill Safe R November 4, 2012

Results

Alabama's 5th congressional district, 2012
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

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

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee
Eliminated in primary
Withdrawn
  • Justin Barkley
  • Stan Pate, businessman

Endorsements

Scott Beason

Organizations

Primary results

Republican primary results
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
Eliminated in primary
  • William Barnes, attorney and nominee for the Senate in 2010

Primary results

Democratic primary results
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

Penny Bailey (D)

Labor unions

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report Safe R November 5, 2012
Rothenberg Safe R November 2, 2012
Roll Call Safe R November 4, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball Safe R November 5, 2012
NY Times Safe R November 4, 2012
RCP Safe R November 4, 2012
The Hill Safe R November 4, 2012

Results

Alabama's 6th congressional district, 2012
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

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. Incumbent Terri Sewell, who had represented the 7th district since January 2011, sought re-election.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee
  • Don Chamberlain
Eliminated in primary

Primary results

Republican primary results
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

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report Safe D November 5, 2012
Rothenberg Safe D November 2, 2012
Roll Call Safe D November 4, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball Safe D November 5, 2012
NY Times Safe D November 4, 2012
RCP Safe D November 4, 2012
The Hill Safe D November 4, 2012

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
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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "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. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 4 "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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "2012 Candidate Endorsements". cwfpac.com. Archived from the original on June 26, 2013. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Alabama Endorsements" (PDF). National Right to Life. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 23, 2013. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Upcoming Election - Alabama". Archived from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Help With Voting". Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  17. ↑ "The Cook Political Report — Charts – 2012 House Competitive Races". Cookpolitical.com. November 5, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "House Ratings". Rothenbergpoliticalreport.com. November 2, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 , as of November 4, 2012
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Crystal Ball Archived April 20, 2023, at the Wayback Machine, as of November 5, 2012
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 House Race Ratings, The New York Times, as of November 4, 2012
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 , as of November 4, 2012
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "House Ratings". The Hill. November 3, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  24. 1 2 3 Kitchen, Sebastian (January 14, 2012). "Candidates qualify for elections". Montgomery Advertiser. Archived from the original on January 19, 2012. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  25. ↑ "Bobby Bright decides against another run for Congress". al.com. Associated Press. January 13, 2012. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  26. ↑ "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.
  27. ↑ "2012 Candidate List" (PDF). sba-list.org. June 27, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 14, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Alabama AFL-CIO". Vote Smart. votesmart.org. Archived from the original on May 7, 2013. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  29. ↑ 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.
  30. ↑ Doyle, Steve (January 14, 2012). "Congressman Robert Aderholt draws two last-minute Democratic challengers". The Huntsville Times. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  31. 1 2 "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.
  32. ↑ Roop, Lee (January 12, 2012). "Parker Griffith says he will challenge Mo Brooks again for Congress". The Huntsville Times. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
  33. ↑ 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.
  34. 1 2 "2012 Candidates Endorsed By Eagle Forum PAC". eagleforum.org. February 12, 2013. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  35. 1 2 Dean, Charles J. (January 13, 2012). "Stan Pate throws hat in crowded field for 6th Congressional District". The Birmingham News. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  36. ↑ 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.
  37. ↑ 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.
  38. ↑ 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.
  39. ↑ "State Certification Amended-Primary Candidate Certification-Republican Party" (PDF). Alabama Secretary of State. January 30, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
  40. ↑ Beyerle, Dana (February 3, 2012). "Pate pulls out of congressional primary". The Gadsden Times. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
  41. 1 2 Dean, Charles J. (January 13, 2012). "U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell uncontested in Democratic primary". The Birmingham News. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  42. ↑ Beyerle, Dana (January 19, 2012). "Two state candidates for Congress can't vote for themselves". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
  43. ↑ "NALC-ENDORSED CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES" (PDF). NALC. pp. 3–4. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Humane USA PAC". votesmart.org. Archived from the original on November 15, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  45. ↑ "2012 NOW PACs Endorsements: All Federal Races". Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  46. ↑ "Planned Parenthood Action Voter guide - AL". Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2023.