Story perspectives

Trump-Backed Marques Challenges Figures After Court Allows Map

8/12/2026

Summary

Marques Challenges Figures

Rep. Rhett Marques R-Ala.—endorsed by President Donald Trump—will challenge Shomari Figures for 2nd District in November 2026.
In June, Supreme Court let Alabama use a 2023 map that cut district’s Black voting-age share from 48% to 40%.
Figures won seat in 2024 after a Rights Act case that created two Black representatives.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) called the race Frontline while National Congressional Committee and chair Scott Stadthagen back Marques.

Summary

Supreme Court Lifts

The Supreme Court lifted an injunction nullifying May 2026 primary results for districts 1, 2, 6 and 7, prompting a special primary.
Turnout was 23% in May and 10.7% in June, raising expectations of low participation and voter fatigue.
Alabama voters must present a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license.
The state provides no in-person early voting, with only about 4% of Democrats using mail ballots in 2024.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby v. Holder struck down the Voting Rights Act’s preclearance formula, freeing states like Alabama to redraw districts without federal review. In 2023 Governor Kay Ivey’s Republican legislature approved a congressional map that cut the Black voting-age population from 48 % to 40 %. The 2026 race between Rhett Marques and Shomari Figures now reflects that post-Holder redistricting surge.

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Marques Challenges Figures

Rep. Rhett Marques R-Ala.—endorsed by President Donald Trump—will challenge Shomari Figures for 2nd District in November 2026.
In June, Supreme Court let Alabama use a 2023 map that cut district’s Black voting-age share from 48% to 40%.
Figures won seat in 2024 after a Rights Act case that created two Black representatives.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) called the race Frontline while National Congressional Committee and chair Scott Stadthagen back Marques.

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