In a special Alabama state House election, Democrat Marilyn Lands defeated Republican Teddy Powell.
Lands centered her campaign on support for in vitro fertilization and abortion rights.
“Today, Alabama women and families sent a clear message that will be heard in Montgomery and across the nation. Our legislature must repeal Alabama’s no-exceptions abortion ban, fully restore access to IVF, and protect the right to contraception,” Lands stated.
She backed repealing Alabama’s near-total abortion ban and restoring full IVF access, which had been threatened by a state Supreme Court ruling.
Lands received 63% of the vote to Powell’s 37%.
Her victory was seen as an early test of campaigning on reproductive issues following new abortion restrictions.
“The voters have spoken and I’m honored to have been considered for this office,” Powell stated. “I wish Mrs. Lands the absolute best as she goes on to serve the people of District 10 in the House of Representatives.”
It gave Democrats hope the issue could help them in November, though its impact then is uncertain.
Lands will take a seat previously held by Republicans in the heavily GOP state legislature.
