Terri Sewell came home again.

She came home Monday to formally kick off her campaign for the 7th Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Artur Davis’ run for governor.

She came home to applause and hugs and stories about when she was younger.

She came home to raise money and support for her candidacy.

The Democrat’s pitch for money was subtle.

Instead, she talked more about the Black Belt and Selma, where she grew up, the daughter of a successful coach and a school librarian.

She talked about the need for jobs and economic development in her native portion of the state, about 40 percent of which is in the district she seeks to represent.

“Job creation is the No. 1 issue,” Sewell told the crowd of about 75 who gathered at the Carl Morgan Convention Center to hear her speak.

Many of the people who attended know the 20-plus unemployment figures for Dallas County. They agree.

Sewell told them of her experience as an attorney, working public and private partnerships to improve infrastructure in the state. The work on infrastructure creates jobs. This experience Sewell promises to take to Congress if elected.

Sewell said she supports tax incentives for small businesses, which will encourage growth in rural areas such as the Black Belt.

But the key to economic development is a good education, she said, adding that education reform, which would bring better classes and instruction to the children of the region is high on her list of priorities.

Her message did not miss the mark.

Lebarron Mack, a childhood friend, said, “Terri will take the story of the Black Belt to Washington, D.C.”