In Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, Republicans are strategizing to reclaim a seat altered to their advantage after redistricting adjusted the district’s demographics. On Tuesday, the party will select a nominee to oppose Democratic U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, who is vying for a second term amidst a challenging political climate.
This district, among several in the South, was modified to favor Republicans following a critical Supreme Court ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act. This election is pivotal for determining the House’s balance of power as Republicans aim to maintain their narrow majority. Both parties have prioritized this district in their electoral strategies.
State Rep. Rhett Marques, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, emphasized the importance of a Republican victory, stating, “We need to win this seat back for the state and for the country. We need to turn it red again.”
GOP Candidates in the Race
Six Republican contenders are in the running to challenge Figures, who currently faces no opposition. The election will also include primaries in three other Alabama districts impacted by the recent redistricting.
Figures, who made history in 2024 by becoming one of Alabama’s two Black representatives, initially secured the seat after a federal court found that the state’s legislature had diluted Black voting power. The court’s decision led to a redrawing, ensuring a district where Black voters hold significant sway.
In the wake of a Supreme Court decision that struck down a majority-Black district in Louisiana, Alabama Republicans moved to enact a previously proposed map, resulting in Tuesday’s special primary elections. The Supreme Court’s June ruling allowed Alabama to proceed with these changes.
Forum Highlights GOP Priorities
At a recent forum in Dothan, Republican candidates discussed issues like national security and local economic needs, with a focus on the upcoming general election. Marques highlighted the importance of voter turnout, saying, “If we get out to vote, we can win it, and we can take this seat back for the Republicans.”
Candidate Hampton Harris underscored the need for voter engagement to ensure representation in Washington, D.C. Christian Horn, the sole Black candidate in the race, stressed the necessity of appealing to a broad voter base, beyond traditional Republican areas.
The candidates also include David Matthews, a former Trump administration appointee, Joshua McKee, an ex-U.S. Army Green Beret, and James Richardson, a former Marine. Tom Heisner, a local resident, expressed confidence in a Republican victory in the region, though he expressed uncertainty about Montgomery’s political leanings.
District’s New Configuration
The redrawn district now spans Alabama’s southeast, incorporating Montgomery and Tuskegee, areas with strong Democratic ties and rich civil rights histories. It also includes regions known for agriculture and military installations. The Black voting age population has decreased from 48% to 40% following redistricting.
Figures’ Continued Optimism
At a community event near the historic Selma-to-Montgomery march route, Figures expressed confidence in retaining his seat, asserting that Republican efforts to render the district unwinnable for him would not succeed. “We’ve shown up in the communities. We’ve shown them how we can deliver results,” he stated.
Some Black residents view the recent redistricting as reminiscent of past struggles. Maggie Walker, a retired educator, interprets the Supreme Court’s decision as an attempt to increase Republican representation but remains hopeful about Figures’ chances. Montgomery County Commission’s vice chairman Isaiah Sankey reflected on the ongoing challenges, noting, “We’re going backward with everything… But it’s OK — we are used to the struggle.”
