The race for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District is on with incumbent Rep. Terri Sewell filing official paperwork to seek re-election.

The Birmingham Democrat was first elected in 2011. The district includes much of Birmingham, parts of Tuscaloosa and runs south to encompass most of the Black Belt.

“It has been an honor of a lifetime to represent my home district in congress,” Sewell said in a social media video announcing her reelection bid. “We have made a lot of progress, but we still have work to do, and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work for you.”

Sewell, in her latest run for an eight term, could face rare high-profile opposition coming from State Sen. Bobby Singleton. Singleton, D-Greensboro, has said he is forming an exploratory committee to run for the District 7 seat.

Sewell had more than $3.1 million in cash remaining in her campaign war chest, according to Federal Election fillings from Jan. 2022 to June 30, 2023.

Sewell is currently Alabama’s lone Democrat in the congressional delegation.

However, that could change following approval of a new congressional map from a three-judge federal penal that changes district lines to give Black voters greater political influence.

Alabama’s Black voters have traditionally and overwhelmingly supported Democratic candidates. The new map will be used in next year’s congressional elections.