FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 08, 2026
May 08, 2026
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-374-6491
[email protected]
AFGE Endorses 4 Alabama Lawmakers Ahead of Statewide Primary
Categories:
Congress, Election 2026, House
Largest federal employee union says working families can count on these lawmakers to fight for them
RIVERDALE, Ga. –– The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of four Alabama lawmakers who are running for office during the 2026 midterm elections. The statewide primary is May 19, and the general election is Nov. 3.
The newly endorsed candidates are Andrew Sneed, who is running for election to the U.S. House representing Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District; Ron Sparks, who is running for the statewide position of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner; and incumbent Reps. Shomari Figures (CD-2) and Terri Sewell (CD-7).
Andrew Sneed, Fifth Congressional District
Andrew Sneed is a local businessman, a community leader, and a labor ally. He believes in collective bargaining rights for all federal employees and is willing to support all AFGE initiatives once elected.
“Andrew Sneed is an Alabama native, a dedicated union member, and a leader who understands that faith, family, and the dignity of work are the bedrock of our community,” AFGE District 5 National Vice President Tatishka Thomas said. “It is with great honor that AFGE District 5 endorses Mr. Andrew Sneed for the U.S. House of Representatives. As a pro-labor champion, Andrew will be a tireless voice for Alabama’s 5th District and the working families who keep our country moving.”
Ron Sparks, Agriculture and Industries Commissioner
Ron Sparks is running to reclaim the elected position he previously held from 2003-2011. While he was Agriculture Commissioner, Sparks pushed for country-of-origin labeling for food and agricultural products, citing health problems and under-cost dumping associated with imports from certain countries. He also initiated the establishment of state laboratories for expanded testing of food and agricultural products.
“Ron Sparks’ journey has always been defined by a deep-seated commitment to his community and his country. From his foundational years in the U.S. Coast Guard to his tenure as a beloved public official, his career is a testament to what it means to lead with integrity. He has never wavered in his support for the working men and women who keep Alabama moving forward,” Thomas said. “Ron isn't just a candidate – he is a proven leader who has already delivered for his constituents. We are proud to offer our full endorsement to Mr. Ron Sparks as he seeks to return to the office of Agriculture Commissioner.
Shomari Figures, Second Congressional District
Alabama native and Freshman Rep. Shomari Figures is running for reelection to Congress representing the community where he was raised. After earning his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law, Figures served as a federal law clerk in Missouri before joining President Obama’s second term as the domestic director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office.
Figures subsequently served as the White House liaison to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, legislative counsel for Sen. Sherrod Brown, and deputy chief of staff for Attorney General Merrick Garland before resigning to launch his own successful election campaign in 2024.
“Rep. Figures has stood not just with federal workers but with workers in general. His commitment to economic empowerment – focusing on investing in small businesses, childcare, and job creation – helps all workers. That’s why AFGE stood with Shomari Figures as a candidate and stands with him now as a congressman for his reelection,” Thomas said.
Terri Sewell, Seventh Congressional District
Rep. Terri Sewell is in her eighth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. She is one of the first women elected to Congress from Alabama in her own right and the first Black woman to ever serve in the Alabama Congressional delegation.
Sewell sits on the exclusive House Ways and Means Committee and three of its subcommittees, bringing her more than 15 years of experience as a securities and public finance attorney. She was selected ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oversight for the current Congressional session, making her the first Black woman to hold a leadership role since the committee was established in 1789. She also serves on the House Administration Committee, where she’s ranking member of the Subcommittee on Elections.
Rep. Sewell has earned AFGE’s support due to her extensive record of supporting our union members and organized labor overall.
“Rep. Sewell is committed to her community by fighting for Social Security employees and doing what’s right by fighting for seniors, the disabled, and orphaned children. Congresswoman Sewell is the fighter all Alabamians need,” Thomas said.
About 62,000 federal employees live and work in Alabama – caring for veterans, supporting the military, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE represents 110,000 federal employees in District 5, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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