Mobile, Alabama is the focus of this district, which extends north along the Tombigee and Alabama rivers. Timber production remains the biggest source of contributions to the local economy, however recently gulf coast condominium developments in Baldwin county represent new economic possibilities.
Politically, this area was one of the first in Alabama to shake off its Democratic roots. It was one of five districts to swing Republican in 1964, when Barry Goldwater swept the state; the GOP has held the district in every House election since then. However, conservative Democrats continued to hold most state and local offices well into the 1990s.
It supported George W. Bush with 64% in 2004, and 60% in 2000. In 2008, John McCain received 61.01% of the vote in the district while 38.38% supported Barack Obama.
The 1st traditionally gives its congressmen very long tenures in Washington. Only six men have held it in the last century.
A special election was held following the resignation of Jo Bonner (R) on August 2, 2013 to become vice chancellor for the University of Alabama.[4] Primary elections were held on September 24. A runoff in the Republican primary took place on November 5 and the general election was pushed back to December 17.[5] Republican Bradley Byrne won the election by a wide margin in the strongly conservative district.[6]
As of April 2015[update], there are three former members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 1st congressional district who are currently living at this time. The most recent representative to die was Frank W. Boykin (1935-1963) on March 12, 1969.
Martis, Kenneth C. (1989). The Historical Atlas of Political Parties in the United States Congress. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
Martis, Kenneth C. (1982). The Historical Atlas of United States Congressional Districts. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
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