2026 Voter Guide: Alabama State Senate District 7 Election Candidates and Key Dates
On November 3, 2026, voters in Alabama State Senate District 7 will head to the polls to decide their representation for the next legislative term. The general election features incumbent Republican Sam Givhan defending his seat against Democratic challenger Jared Sluss.
Both candidates advanced automatically to the general election ballot after the Alabama state primaries, originally scheduled for May 19, 2026, were canceled for this district due to a lack of intra-party challengers. District 7 encompasses vital economic and residential sectors of Madison County, including major portions of Huntsville, making this a crucial race for regional development and state-level policy.
Here is the verified information voters need before heading to the polls.
The Candidates
Sam Givhan (Republican - Incumbent)
Sam Givhan has held the office for Alabama State Senate District 7 since his initial election in 2018. A practicing attorney and property developer, Givhan brings extensive private-sector experience to his legislative role.
During his time in the Alabama Legislature, Givhan has historically aligned with the Alabama Republican Party platform. His legislative focus typically centers on local economic development, conservative fiscal management, and streamlining state government operations to support business growth in the Tennessee Valley.
Jared Sluss (Democrat - Challenger)
Jared Sluss is the Democratic nominee aiming to unseat the two-term incumbent. Running under the banner of the Alabama Democratic Party, Sluss advanced to the general election unchallenged in the primary phase.
Representing a younger generation of political challengers, Sluss brings a background in non-profit housing programs and local entrepreneurship. His platform is heavily anchored in addressing immediate quality-of-life issues for working families. Sluss has publicly prioritized improving regional healthcare access—advocating for Medicaid expansion to protect rural hospitals—and lowering the daily cost of living for District 7 residents by proposing the elimination of the state grocery tax and investing in affordable housing.
Key Policy Battlegrounds
While individual campaign rhetoric varies, the District 7 race highlights several distinct policy contrasts that align with broader state and national narratives:
- Healthcare and Cost of Living: Sluss has made the cost of living and healthcare accessibility central to his campaign, aiming to hold utility monopolies accountable and expand state healthcare coverage. Conversely, Givhan has historically approached state economics through the lens of deregulation and fostering private-sector business incentives to drive regional wealth.
- Education: Funding for public education remains a critical issue in Huntsville, a city driven by STEM and defense industries. Voters will be weighing conservative approaches to school choice against Democratic pushes for robust public school funding and increased teacher retention.
- Infrastructure: As Madison County continues to experience rapid population growth, both candidates will be forced to address infrastructure strain, road expansions, and public utility management.
When and Where to Vote
Voter participation requires preparation. Below are the critical details for participating in the 2026 general election:
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
- Polling Hours: Polls across Alabama are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Voter Identification: Alabama requires a valid, unexpired photo ID to vote at the polls (such as an Alabama Driver's License or a valid U.S. Passport).
- Polling Locations: Voters should verify their specific polling location prior to Election Day. This can be done by visiting the official Alabama Secretary of State website and utilizing their voter lookup portal.
The Alabama Sentinel will continue to monitor this race and report on any scheduled debates, town halls, or verified campaign finance developments as the November election approaches.
