Sewell takes oath of office
Published 10:15 am Friday, January 10, 2025
- Photo submitted | Rep. Terri Sewell is sworn in to the 119th Congress.
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On Friday, Jan. 3, Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) pledged to uphold the oath of office for the District 7 seat of the House of Representatives for the 119th Congress, taking her place among the 190 men and women elected to serve in the U.S. House over the last 205 years. On Wednesday, Jan. 8, Sewell was selected to serve as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, becoming the first Black woman to serve in the subcommittee’s leadership role.
“I am forever grateful to the people of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District for the trust they have placed in me to continue representing them in Washington,” Sewell said. “The 119th Congress will bring new opportunities and new challenges, but whatever comes our way, my job remains the same. I will continue fighting to protect our voting rights, expand access to health care, and make our communities safer. And I will work across the aisle to bring down costs and make life more affordable for Alabama families.”
Sewell promised to continue her work for constituents, with a focus on defending programs benefitting Black Belt families.
“I congratulate Speaker Johnson on his election and wish him well,” Sewell said. “I welcome the opportunity to work with House Republicans where we can find common ground. But make no mistake—House Democrats will remain focused on improving the lives of everyday Americans and we will never stop fighting to defend Social Security, Medicare, and the programs that families rely on.”
District 7, realigned in October 2023 encompasses Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, Pickens, Perry, Sumter and portions of Clarke, Jefferson, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa counties. Sewell joins Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile), elected in November to represent District 2, as one of two Black Alabama residents elected to the 119th Congress. The pair are among only seven Black Alabamians to serve in the U.S. House.
“I am excited to roll up my sleeves and get back to work for Alabama families,” Sewell said.
