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Alabama's 4th Congressional District election, 2026 (May 19 Democratic primary)

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← 2024
Alabama's 4th Congressional District
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: January 23, 2026
Primary: May 19, 2026
Primary runoff: June 16, 2026
General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voting in Alabama
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending
Inside Elections: Solid Republican
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
Alabama's 4th Congressional District
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th
Alabama elections, 2026
U.S. Congress elections, 2026
U.S. Senate elections, 2026
U.S. House elections, 2026

A Democratic Party primary takes place on May 19, 2026, in Alabama's 4th Congressional District to determine which Democratic candidate will run in the district's general election on November 3, 2026.

Candidate filing deadline Primary election General election
January 23, 2026
May 19, 2026
November 3, 2026



A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Alabama uses an open primary system, in which registered voters do not have to be members of a party to vote in that party's primary.[1]

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

This page focuses on Alabama's 4th Congressional District Democratic primary. For more in-depth information on the district's Republican primary and the general election, see the following pages:

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

  • Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
  • Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for U.S. House Alabama District 4

Amanda Pusczek (D) and Shane Weaver (D) are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Alabama District 4 on May 19, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Amanda Pusczek
Amanda Pusczek
Image of Shane Weaver
Shane Weaver  Candidate Connection

There are no incumbents in this race.

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Amanda Pusczek

Image of Amanda Pusczek

WebsiteFacebook

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography:  "My name is Amanda Pusczek. I was born in Ferguson, Missouri, and have spent most of my life in Madison County. I’ve been a nurse for over a decade, including two intense years working in New York City during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. I’ve stood on the front lines, seen the cracks in our healthcare system, and felt the weight that working families carry every day. Like so many, I live paycheck to paycheck—not because I don't work hard, but because the system is broken. This is my home, my community—and I’m ready to stand up, speak out, and fight for real change."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

I believe that every person—no matter their background, income, or immigration status—deserves dignity, justice, and a voice in the system that governs them. I’ve seen firsthand how our institutions fail the people they’re supposed to protect. From overcrowded hospitals to unjust laws, the gap between what’s right and what’s real keeps growing. And now, we’re seeing immigration agencies overstep their bounds—ripping people from their homes, separating families, and committing what can only be called state-sanctioned kidnappings. That’s not justice. That’s not rule of law. That’s abuse of power. I’m standing up to fight for human rights, for accountability, and for a system that defends—not destroys—our communities.

I’ve worked in hospitals across this country, including right here in North Alabama, and I’ve seen the pain that comes not just from illness—but from the crushing weight of the bill that follows. Families are drowning under medical debt. People are skipping treatment, rationing insulin, avoiding the ER, because they’re terrified of what it’ll cost. That’s not healthcare—it’s extortion. With the passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill" 20% of Alabamians may lose their health care. With 68% of nursing home residents, 45% of Alabama's children, and 45% of pregnant families depending on Medicaid for coverage. Thousands of people will die—and that’s not exaggeration. We are living through a healthcare crisis like nothing we've ever seen.

In North Alabama, too many families are struggling just to afford the basics—rent, groceries, utilities, and healthcare. The cost of living keeps rising, while wages remain stagnant, leaving hardworking people trapped in a cycle of paycheck to paycheck. This isn’t just a local problem; it’s a crisis that demands real, targeted solutions. That’s why I support legislation to expand affordable housing programs, including increased funding for the Alabama Housing Trust Fund to build more low-income homes. I’m pushing for raising the state minimum wage to a living wage that reflects the true cost of living here in North Alabama. We need stronger protections to cap utility rates and keep energy bills manageable, especially during extreme weather.

Shane Weaver

Image of Shane Weaver

WebsiteFacebook

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography:  "Shane was born in Hamilton, Alabama to a family of coal miners and farmers. His grandfather and father, both members of the UMWA, instilled in Shane the value of integrity, honesty, and a hard day's work. He was taught to always help and respect everyone regardless of their color, religion, or the choices they make about their own lives. Shane grew up and went to school in Carbon Hill, graduating in 1991. After high school, he worked jobs at a grocery store and sewing plant in Carbon Hill, a door manufacturer in Haleyville, and a convenience store in Jasper. These jobs taught him firsthand the struggles of working long, hard hours with little respect and little pay. In 2001, Shane attended the University of Alabama, working multiple jobs to put himself through college. In 2005, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. Since graduating, he has worked as a Project Manager for companies and clients around the globe. Shane knows, firsthand, the hopelessness of poverty, the struggles of minimum wage work, and the despair of feeling like you'll never get your head above water. He believes the government exists to serve the people, not control them. He also believes the government should be more focused on providing help to the many that need it, rather than padding the pockets of the rich. Shane is a true representation of the people of Alabama: a hard worker that wants to help his neighbor, his state, and his country."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

My primary commitment: protecting our children. Child safety is my top priority. Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive without fear. I believe schools must be safe, supportive environments where parents are confident their children are protected and can focus on learning, not security. This is why we must invest in effective, common-sense school safety measures. I am equally committed to ensuring no child goes hungry. Access to healthy, reliable food is a basic right, and children cannot succeed if they are worried about their next meal. I support strong protections against predators by supporting tough enforcement, greater accountability,and increased awareness to keep children safe at home, school, and online.

I am dedicated to protecting and expanding the rights of workers. Corporations hold far too much power, and that has to change. I believe every worker deserves fair wages that reflect their hard work and allow them to support their families with dignity—no one working full time should struggle to get by. I strongly support unions as the backbone of worker power, giving employees a collective voice and ensuring companies respect the people who keep them running. I also prioritize job security, because stable work gives families peace of mind, strengthens communities, and builds a stronger, more sustainable economy for everyone.

I am determined to provide everyday people with real financial relief and security. For too long, the government has rushed to bail out corporations and the wealthy; it’s time it truly served the people. Families are being squeezed by rising prices. We need policies that lower costs and make basic goods and services affordable for everyone. Housing is a basic need, not a luxury, and I will fight for fair housing policies, rent protections, and programs that ensure every family has a safe, stable place to live. I am also committed to addressing economic instability by supporting policies that help families weather financial shocks, build savings, and plan confidently for the future.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Alabama

Election information in Alabama: May 19, 2026, election.

What is the voter registration deadline?

  • In-person: May 4, 2026
  • By mail: Postmarked by May 4, 2026
  • Online: May 4, 2026

Is absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

No

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

  • In-person: May 14, 2026
  • By mail: Received by May 12, 2026
  • Online: N/A

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

  • In-person: May 19, 2026
  • By mail: Received by May 19, 2026

Is early voting available to all voters?

N/A

What were the early voting start and end dates?

N/A to N/A

Are all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, is a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When are polls open on Election Day?

7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (CT)

Campaign finance

Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Amanda Pusczek Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Shane Weaver Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***

Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee."
** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.
*** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

District analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.

  • District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
  • Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2026 U.S. House elections in the state.
  • Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
  • State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.


Below is the district map in place for this election. Click the map below to enlarge it.

2025_01_3_al_congressional_district_04.jpg
See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2026
Information about competitiveness will be added here as it becomes available.

Partisan Voter Index

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Heading into the 2026 elections, based on results from the 2024 and 2020 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district is R+33. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 33 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Alabama's 4th the most Republican district nationally.[2]

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2024 presidential election was in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by The Downballot.

2024 presidential results in Alabama's 4th Congressional District
Kamala Harris Democratic PartyDonald Trump Republican Party
16.0%83.0%

Presidential voting history

See also: Presidential election in Alabama, 2024

Alabama presidential election results (1900-2024)

  • 16 Democratic wins
  • 14 Republican wins
  • 2 other wins
Year 1900 1904 1908 1912 1916 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960[3] 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020 2024
Winning Party D D D D D D D D D D D D SR[4] D D D R AI[5] R D R R R R R R R R R R R R
See also: Party control of Alabama state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Alabama's congressional delegation as of September 2025.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Alabama
Party U.S. Senate U.S. House Total
Democratic 0 2 2
Republican 2 5 7
Independent 0 0 0
Vacancies 0 0 0
Total 2 7 9

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Alabama's top four state executive offices as of October 2025.

State executive officials in Alabama, October 2025
OfficeOfficeholder
GovernorRepublican Party Kay Ivey
Lieutenant GovernorRepublican Party Will Ainsworth
Secretary of StateRepublican Party Wes Allen
Attorney GeneralRepublican Party Steve Marshall

State legislature

Alabama State Senate

Party As of January 2026
     Democratic Party 8
     Republican Party 27
     Other 0
     Vacancies 0
Total 35

Alabama House of Representatives

Party As of January 2026
     Democratic Party 29
     Republican Party 74
     Other 0
     Vacancies 2
Total 105

Trifecta control

Alabama Party Control: 1992-2025
Six years of Democratic trifectas  •  Fifteen years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Governor R D D R R R R D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
Senate D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
House D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Alabama in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Alabama, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State Office Party Signatures required Filing fee Filing deadline Source
Alabama U.S. House Ballot-qualified party N/A Fixed by party 1/23/2026 Source
Alabama U.S. House Unaffiliated 3% of all votes cast for governor in the district in the last election N/A 5/19/2026 Source

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ The Alabama Legislature, "Ala. Code § 17-13-7," accessed November 24, 2025
  2. ↑ Cook Political Report, "2025 Cook PVI℠: District Map and List (119th Congress)," accessed July 1, 2025
  3. ↑ Although he was not on the ballot, Harry F. Byrd (D) won six unpledged electoral votes in Alabama's 1960 election against Richard Nixon (R) and Democratic Party nominee John F. Kennedy. Kennedy won Alabama's popular vote and received five electoral votes.
  4. ↑ States' Rights Democratic Party
  5. ↑ American Independent Party


Alabama's current delegation to the United States Congress
Senators
Katie Britt (R)
Tommy Tuberville (R)
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
Republican Party (7)
Democratic Party (2)


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