Democrat Sluss Wins Alabama Senate District 7
Democrat Jared Sluss defeated incumbent Republican Sam Givhan in a close Alabama State Senate race, while Democrat Marilyn Lands held her State House seat.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Democrat Jared Sluss won Alabama State Senate District 7, defeating incumbent Republican Sam Givhan in unofficial returns from the November 3, 2026 general election. Democrat Marilyn Lands was also reelected in State House District 10.
Why it matters
The result flips a Senate seat in a race that was decided by roughly 577 votes in unofficial counts, shifting the partisan balance of the district's representation in Alabama's legislature. Lands's reelection in a previously flipped House seat reflects continued Democratic strength in parts of the state.
Unofficial returns show Sluss leading Givhan 50.45% to 49.49% in District 7, a margin of roughly 577 votes. Lands carried House District 10 with 12,296 votes to Thomas's 8,143, and final certified totals were not yet reported.
The players
Jared Sluss
Democrat who won Alabama State Senate District 7 in the 2026 general election, unseating incumbent Republican Sam Givhan.
Sam Givhan
Republican incumbent in Alabama State Senate District 7 who lost his seat in the 2026 general election.
Marilyn Lands
Democratic member of the Alabama House of Representatives who was reelected in District 10 after flipping the seat in an earlier cycle.
The details
Sluss's win in District 7 came in a race that drew significant attention in Madison County, where Democrats posted strong numbers. Other House contests saw Republican James Lomax defeat James Linderholm in District 20, Rex Reynolds defeat Forrest Satterfield in District 21, and Laura Hall win reelection in District 19, while Andy Whitt and Anthony Daniels ran unopposed in Districts 6 and 53.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Alabama legislative general election voting took place, with results reported late in the evening.
Season Trajectory
Democratic gains in Madison County mirror a broader pattern of competitiveness in Alabama's legislative districts that has produced several flipped seats in recent cycles. The Senate District 7 result adds to that trend, though Republicans still hold a majority in the Alabama Legislature.
Sluss's Senate seat changes which lawmaker represents District 7 constituents in Montgomery, affecting how state legislation on local priorities is advanced. House District 10 residents keep Lands as their representative for the next term.
The takeaway
Close margins in state legislative races can decide which party controls a chamber and which local issues get priority. Readers in District 7 and House District 10 should watch for official certified results before drawing final conclusions.
Further reading
For more on how state legislative contests are shaping the map, see Elections coverage across Alabama.
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