Palmer returned to House in Tuesday vote

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer speaks to Republicans during a meeting Aug. 11, 2026. (Photo by Drew Taylor)

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Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer won a seventh term representing District 6 in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, defeating Democrat Maurice Mercer.

Palmer received 57.4% of the votes cast to Mercer’s 42.5%, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s Office.

Palmer’s platform emphasized fiscal conservatism, reducing federal regulations, restrictions on abortion, gun rights and stricter immigration policies.

He has served in the House since 2015. He is a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he is chairman of the subcommittee on environment.

Mercer served on the Pelham City Council from 2012 to 2025 and was council president. His platform focused on lowering costs for working families and supporting access to healthcare, public safety, immigration reform, border security, education and workforce development.

The 6^th Congressional District consists of most of Jefferson County outside Birmingham city limits and Autauga, Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Elmore, and Shelby counties.