Terri Sewell — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Alabama, 2026

Terri Sewell voted against $10 billion for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in January 2026. In February 2026, she voted for a revised government spending package that excluded full-year Department of Homeland Security funding for ICE. She emphasized the need for stronger guardrails against ICE misconduct and stated that ICE "needs serious reform," seeking leverage for negotiations to curb what she termed "reckless conduct."

“After the horrifying and deadly events in Minnesota, Americans across the political spectrum agree that ICE under the Trump Administration has gone too far and needs serious reform," said Rep. Sewell. "This bill gives Democrats greater time and leverage to negotiate with Republicans on a set of guardrails to curb ICE’s reckless conduct while keeping other services up and running that are essential to the safety and well-being of the American people." (Rep. Terri Sewell, statement on vote for revised government spending package, February 3, 2026)”

Representative Terri Sewell supported the House passage of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, aiming to expand access to cancer screenings for seniors. She also secured $20 million for pancreatic cancer research in the FY26 defense bill, an increase from prior funding. As Chair of the New Democrat Coalition's Health Care Working Group, she unveiled a plan focused on lowering costs, expanding access, and protecting rural hospitals.

““The American people are facing a health care crisis of Republicans’ making. Costs are skyrocketing, rural hospitals are closing, and millions of Americans are being kicked off their health insurance so that billionaires can get new tax breaks,” said Working Group Chair Terri Sewell. “It does not have to be this way. As Chair of the New Dem Health Care Working Group, I am proud of the strong, commonsense framework that we are proposing. This plan addresses the Republican health care crisis head-on by lowering costs, expanding access to care, protecting rural hospitals, and strengthening the programs that Americans rely on. New Dems are committed to making health care affordable and accessible for every American.” (Terri Sewell, Rep. Sewell Unveils New Democrat Coalition Health Care Action Plan, December 4, 2025)”

Research pending more substantial sources.

Representative Terri Sewell supports abortion rights and opposed the Human Life Protection Act, which she described as unconstitutional. She also opposed the overturning of Roe v. Wade, expressing concern that state legislatures would criminalize reproductive healthcare. Sewell advocates for reproductive rights and women's access to healthcare.

“She described the bill as 'both blatantly unconstitutional and a brazen, extremist attack on women's rights.' - Terri Sewell, Wikipedia, on Human Life Protection Act.”

Terri Sewell voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to support service members and national security, citing a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel and protection of HBCU funding. She opposed a partisan FY26 Defense Appropriations bill due to concerns about cuts to military readiness and restrictions on service members' healthcare. She also voted for a national security package to aid Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, and deter China, emphasizing America's global leadership. Sewell advocates for congressional oversight on war powers.

“Today, I voted yes on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to support our service members and protect our national security,” said Rep. Sewell. “I am happy that this year’s NDAA provides a 3.8 percent pay raise to our military personnel, streamlines the process for our troops to secure supplies, and protects funding for our HBCUs.” (Rep. Sewell, December 10, 2025, from https://sewell.house.gov/2025/12/rep-sewell-votes-for-fiscal-year-2026-national-defense-authorization-act)”

Terri Sewell supports education funding, emphasizing its role in achieving the American Dream and breaking the cycle of poverty. She voted to pass the FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This action secured $5.5 million in direct funding for nine local projects in Alabama's 7th Congressional District, reflecting her belief that a strong education base is crucial for a successful workforce.

“A successful workforce starts with a solid education base. As a product of public schools and the daughter of two educators, I know firsthand the difference that a strong education can make in achieving the American Dream, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic background. Improving education can help break the cycle of poverty that affects families all across west Alabama. - Terri Sewell, Ballotpedia”

Rep. Terri Sewell voted to reinstate an assault weapons ban in 2022, stating that weapons of war designed for mass slaughter have no place in communities, while still supporting responsible gun ownership. She also voted for the Protecting Our Kids Act, which raises the purchasing age for semi-automatic weapons to 21, cracks down on gun trafficking, requires background checks for ghost guns, and outlaws high-capacity magazines, aiming to save lives.

““I am a strong believer in the right of responsible gun owners to keep and bear arms,” said Rep. Sewell. “I also believe that weapons of war have no place on our streets or in our schools. It is no coincidence that AR-15-style firearms have become the weapons of choice among mass shooters. Assault weapons like these are designed to slaughter as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time. I applaud the House for once again taking action to address our nation’s gun violence epidemic and save lives. I urge our Senators to follow suit.” — Rep. Sewell, alreporter.com, August 1, 2022”