Alabama State Senate District 7 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Alabama, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Alabama State Senate District 7 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Alabama State Senate District 7

Incumbent Sam Givhan defeated Korey Wilson in the general election for Alabama State Senate District 7 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sam Givhan (R)	62.6	29,095
		Korey Wilson (D)	37.2	17,295
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	52

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 46,442
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Korey Wilson (D)

I'm going to legislate for the interests of the people of Alabama. Not the special interests, and not the political elite.

Republicans have had a monopoly on political power in Alabama for over a decade, and have precious little to show for it. Alabamians need public servants who will get results.

The politics of division has done nothing but secure subsidies and tax breaks for wealthy. Alabama suffers dearly for it. It is imperative that every Alabamian understands, that we are better together.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Korey Wilson (D)

I am incredibly passionate about Labor rights, Taxation & Revenue, Child Welfare and Education, and Public Health

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Korey Wilson (D)

My inspirations are Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Sister Fannie Lou Hamer, Marsha P. Johnson, John R. Lewis, and Andrew Young. These are all leaders who understood that the function of government is first and foremost the preservation of personal freedom, and the administration of laws for the benefit of all citizens

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Korey Wilson (D)

John Q, God Committee, Urinetown, Vice, Don't Look Up

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Korey Wilson (D)

Trustworthiness, Inclusivity, Accessibility, and Perseverance

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Korey Wilson (D)

A strong desire to see everyone succeed, my keen understanding of policymaking, and my unwavering dedication to improving people's lives.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Korey Wilson (D)

Listening to constituents, implementing solutions to problems, reducing harm in communities, preserving equality.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Korey Wilson (D)

Accessible healthcare, childcare, and education, increased wages and economic activity, and more opportunities for everyone

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Korey Wilson (D)

The first historical event that happened in my lifetime was Bill Clinton's impeachment. I was 6 or 7 at the time. The one that has had the most ripples throughout my life would 9/11

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Korey Wilson (D)

My first job out of college was working in the Dues Department of Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ. I was there for about 4 months before I got a different position, but working for the most politically active labor union in the U.S. changed me forever.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Korey Wilson (D)

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Korey Wilson (D)

Try Jesus, Tobe Ngwige

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Korey Wilson (D)

I have struggled with clinical depression from a young age, but have managed it, and want to do more advocacy around mental health

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Korey Wilson (D)

Ideally the governor has a disposition for the betterment of people's lives, and will throw their lot in with the legislators proposing the most elegant and egalitarian solution

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Korey Wilson (D)

I think it is the economy. Right now the median household income in Alabama is $52,000 annually, and per capita it's $28,000. We have got to find a way to put more money into citizens' pockets

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Korey Wilson (D)

In my opinion the benefits of unicameral state legislature is that there are fewer roadblocks for popular policy, and constituents will have greater voice in the process. I see few drawbacks to this style of representative government.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Korey Wilson (D)

I believe that it is beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in providing solutions to issues in their community.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Korey Wilson (D)

I absolutely believe that it is beneficial to build relationships with other legislators!

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Korey Wilson (D)

I wish that legislators were unable to propose maps. That the specific process of redistricting be left to commissions staffed by the public, guided by social and political scientists, and aiming to align with the Polsby-Popper Index

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Korey Wilson (D)

I would server honorably on whatever committees to which I am assigned.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Korey Wilson (D)

Rep. Laura Hall

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Korey Wilson (D)

Not at this time, no.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Korey Wilson (D)

n/a

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Korey Wilson (D)

Yes

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Korey Wilson (D)

I believe that collaboration is key in ensuring legislation is passed that includes and is for the benefit of all citizens; however, any policy that would disproportionately negatively impact specific groups, or lessen Human Rights is an instant non-starter for me.

See also

More about these elections:

• Alabama State Senate elections, 2022

Select a district below to read responses from candidates in those races:

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