Lands's landslide win in a purple district — suburban Hunstsville — underscores the political staying power of reproductive rights as an election issue, one that could make the difference as Democratic control of Congress and the White House falls to a handful of states.
According to Democratic strategist Krishana Davis, Lands's unapologetic stance on abortion rights likely gave her an edge.
"So many times we see candidates who will give very top-level language, they kind of skirt the issue, they give a lot of innuendos about what they mean," said David, adding that other Democratic hopefuls should see Lands's win as reason to be more vocal.
Lands spotlighted IVF and abortion in her ads, including recounting her own personal experience with abortion. Meanwhile, Powell leaned into issues like the economy and infrastructure.
Reproductive issues became particularly relevant as the race came against the backdrop of an Alabama court ruling last month that prompted IVF services to be temporarily paused.
"I feel like [reproductive health care] was a very powerful motivator to get people out to vote in this election," Lands told The Hill.
Republican strategist Angi Horn said it was clear Lands hit all the right buttons to motivate turnout in her favor.
"If I was a Democrat in Alabama, and I saw this happen, sure … I would try to copy it, do the same thing … I think it would be ridiculous not to," Horn added.
But the GOP strategist also cautioned about extrapolating too much from the special election in terms of what it means for the state's politics.
"I think it's important to not try to paint this as what Alabama is or the state of Alabama for two reasons: One, it's a special election, and two, it is a very — going into a very purple district," she said, noting that Lands's strategy likely would not have worked in southeast Alabama, for example.
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