Full Breakdown
Alabama’s Redrawn 2nd District Faces a Pivotal Republican Nomination
8/12/2026, 8:18:27 AM
The Special Primary on August 11, 2026
Voters in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District cast ballots on August 11, 2026 to select the Republican nominee who will face incumbent Democrat Shomari Figures in the November general election. State Rep. Rhett Marques, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, won the GOP nomination after a six-candidate primary. Figures ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.
Redistricting Background
A June 2024 Supreme Court decision weakened the Voting Rights Act, prompting Southern states to revise maps. Alabama reinstated a 2023 map that eliminated the state’s second majority-Black district. The new 2nd District now runs from the Georgia border to Montgomery, reducing the Black voting-age population from 48 % to 40 %.
Key Numbers
- District population: ~718,000.
- Statewide registered voters (June 1): 3.8 million.
- Historical turnout: 23 % in the May primary and 10.7 % in the June runoff.
- 2024 presidential vote in the old district: Kamala Harris 53 % vs. Donald Trump 46 %; under the new map analysts project Trump 57 % to 42 %.
- Fundraising: Marques is the top Republican fundraiser in the field.
Official Statements & Responses
- DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene: “Our path back to the majority hinges on holding seats like Shomari’s.”
- Rhett Marques pledged a “safe-streets and Christian-values” platform and promised “more money in your pockets.”
- Shomari Figures highlighted his record of delivering federal funds for hospitals, law enforcement, housing and infrastructure.
- Governor Kay Ivey: “The strength and success of the United States Congress begins with an engaged electorate.”
- The National Republican Congressional Committee announced support for Marques, citing his alignment with Trump’s agenda.
Criticism & Opposition
Voter advocate Jewel from Barbour County warned that the redistricting “decimated the Voting Rights Act” and reduced Figures’ re-election chances. Brittani, another advocate, described turnout as “dismal” and urged voters to treat the election as a “do-or-die” moment.
On-the-Ground Reports
Polling places in the Dothan area reported only a handful of early voters. Cynthia Powers said, “I really didn’t know that there was an election today. I did read it was on Facebook. It was the only way I saw it,” illustrating limited public awareness.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Turnout figures vary: the May primary’s 23 % participation contrasts with the 10.7 % runoff, and no official count exists yet for the August special primary. Past vote totals for the newly drawn districts are unavailable, leaving analysts without baseline data.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think he represents us and the things that are important to our state,” — Maggie Walker, retired educator
- “Our path back to the majority hinges on holding seats like Shomari’s,” — Suzan DelBene, DCCC Chair
- “The strength and success of the United States Congress begins with an engaged electorate,” — Kay Ivey, Governor
- “I really didn't know that there was an election today. I did read it was on Facebook. It was the only way I saw it,” — Cynthia Powers, voter
What’s Next
The Republican nominee will face Shomari Figures in the November 3, 2026 general election. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has placed the race in its “Frontline” program, signaling that the seat is a priority for both parties as they vie for control of the U.S. House.
