Martha Roby

Martha Roby is a former U.S. Representative who served Alabama's 2nd congressional district from 2011 until 2021. A member of the Republican Party, she made history in 2010 by defeating the incumbent Democratic congressman Bobby Bright, becoming one of the first women elected to Congress from Alabama in regular elections. Throughout her five terms in office, Roby focused on various legislative issues and served on multiple committees, contributing to her district and the broader political landscape.

Early life and career

Martha Kehres Roby, born Martha Dubina on July 27, 1976, in Montgomery, Alabama, is the daughter of Joel Dubina, who served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Growing up in a politically engaged family, Roby pursued her education at New York University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree. Following her undergraduate studies, she attended the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, receiving her Juris Doctor degree in 2001.

Before entering the political arena, Roby worked as an attorney at the law firm Copeland, Franco, where she gained experience in legal practice. Her initial foray into public service began in 2003 when she was elected to the Montgomery City Council, defeating five opponents and securing nearly 55% of the votes cast in her district. During her tenure on the council, Roby took a stand on various local issues, including opposing the construction of a shopping mall in East Montgomery and advocating for a state sales tax holiday. She also supported a cigarette tax increase and resisted efforts to privatize household garbage disposal.

House tenure

Martha Roby entered the U.S. House of Representatives after a competitive election in 2010. She challenged incumbent Democratic Congressman Bobby Bright in Alabama's 2nd congressional district. In the Republican primary, Roby emerged as the leading candidate but did not secure enough votes to avoid a runoff. In the runoff election, she defeated her opponent, Rick Barber, with a significant margin. Roby's campaign was one of the most expensive in the district's history, with her total expenditures exceeding $1.2 million, largely funded by individual contributions.

In the general election, Roby narrowly defeated Bright, winning by a margin of approximately 4,780 votes. This victory marked a significant political shift in the district, which had been represented by a Democrat for several years. Roby's success in the 2010 election was notable not only for her victory over an incumbent but also for her role in breaking gender barriers in Alabama politics, as she became one of the first women elected to Congress from the state.

Roby was re-elected multiple times, consistently demonstrating strong support within her district. In 2012, she received endorsements from numerous local mayors and organizations, winning her second term with a substantial majority. Her subsequent elections in 2014, 2016, and 2018 further solidified her position as a prominent Republican figure in Alabama. In her final election, she faced Bobby Bright again, who had switched parties, and won decisively.

In December 2019, Roby announced her decision to retire from Congress at the end of her fifth term, concluding her service on January 3, 2021.

Legislative focus and committees

During her time in the House of Representatives, Martha Roby served on several important committees, including the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on the Judiciary. Within the Appropriations Committee, she was involved in various subcommittees, focusing on issues related to commerce, military construction, veterans affairs, and state and foreign operations. Additionally, Roby served as the ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet.

Roby's legislative actions reflected her conservative values and priorities. She supported measures aimed at reducing government regulation, including a vote in favor of the "Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act," which sought to require congressional approval for significant regulations issued by the executive branch. In 2013, she voted to cut funding for the food stamp program, a decision that affected many households in her district.

Throughout her congressional career, Roby maintained a strong alignment with her party, voting with Republican leadership on a significant majority of issues. She also supported President Trump's policies, aligning her votes with his positions on numerous occasions. In 2017, she co-sponsored a bipartisan bill aimed at requiring sexual harassment and anti-discrimination training for all House members and staff, which passed the House.

Roby was involved in securing funding for various initiatives in her district, including over $3.6 million to expand broadband internet access in rural areas of Autauga County, Alabama. Her focus on local issues and constituent services was a hallmark of her tenure.

In the latter part of her congressional career, Roby faced significant political events, including the impeachment proceedings against President Trump. She voted against the impeachment, expressing concerns about the process and the implications for the American public.

Overall, Martha Roby's legislative career was characterized by her commitment to conservative principles, her active participation in key committees, and her focus on issues pertinent to her constituents in Alabama's 2nd congressional district. Her tenure marked a significant period in Alabama's political landscape, particularly in terms of women's representation in Congress.