Full Breakdown
GOP Primary Targets Redrawn Alabama 2nd Congressional District
8/12/2026, 12:53:19 AM
GOP Primary Targets Redrawn Alabama 2nd District
Republican leaders in Alabama are preparing a special primary to select a nominee who will challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures for the state’s 2nd Congressional District. The race is being framed as a pivotal contest for the party’s effort to maintain its slim House majority in the upcoming midterm elections.
Redistricting After Supreme Court Ruling
The district was reshaped after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, prompting a federal court to order a new map that reduced the Black voting-age population from 48 % to 40 %. The court required that Alabama contain a second district where Black residents are a majority or near-majority. Figures’ 2024 victory created the state’s first pair of Black representatives, but the new boundaries now place Montgomery, Tuskegee and other traditionally Democratic areas within a district that leans Republican.
Republican Field and Campaign Themes
Six GOP candidates are competing in the primary. State Rep. Attorney Hampton Harris emphasized voter turnout as the key to flipping the district. Business owner Christian Horn, the only Black candidate, said Republicans need a contender who can appeal across the district, not just in traditional GOP strongholds. Former USDA appointee David Matthews, ex-Green Beret Joshua McKee, former Marine James Richardson and 79-year-old retired air-traffic controller Tom Heisner also entered the race, each highlighting issues such as border security, economic development and military presence.
Figures’ Response and Community Views
Rep. Figures, speaking at a gathering near the historic Selma-to-Montgomery voting-rights march route, asserted that Republicans will not make the district “unwinnable” and pointed to his record of delivering results for constituents. Local residents expressed mixed feelings; some see the redistricting as an effort to install more Republicans, while others remain optimistic about Figures’ chances.
Verbatim Quote
- “I think he represents us and the things that are important to our state.” — Maggie Walker, retired educator
