Full Breakdown
Alabama’s 2nd District Race: Redrawn Map Sets GOP vs. Democrat Showdown
8/12/2026, 9:45:43 PM
Core Event – Republican Nomination Decided
On August 11, state Rep. Rhett Marques secured the Republican nomination for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District with 16,411 votes (? 50 %). The primary field of six candidates split the remaining votes, with Hampton Harris receiving 7,100 (? 22 %) and David Matthews 5,716 (? 18 %). Voter turnout was 5.24 % of the 32,801 ballots cast. Marques will face incumbent Democrat Shomari Figures in the November 3 general election.
Background & Context – Court-Ordered Redistricting
A June 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision weakened the Voting Rights Act, allowing Alabama lawmakers to reinstate a 2023 congressional map that eliminates the majority-Black Montgomery-area district created after earlier litigation. The new map stretches from the Georgia line to the Mississippi border, encompassing Montgomery, Tuskegee, and rural counties. Redistricting cut the district’s Black voting-age population from about 48 % to about 40 %. Figures won the seat in 2024 after a federal court ordered a second majority-Black district; the current configuration reverts the district to a more Republican-leaning shape.
Data & Statistics – Primary Results and Demographics
- Primary vote totals: Marques 16,411 (50.03 %); Harris 7,100 (21.65 %); Matthews 5,716 (17.43 %); McKee 1,537 (4.69 %); Richardson 1,078 (3.29 %); Horn 959 (2.92 %).
- Turnout: 5.24 % of registered voters.
- Black voting-age population: reduced from ~48 % to ~40 % after redrawing.
- Geography: Includes Montgomery, Tuskegee, an Air Force base, and an Army base in Dale County.
Official Statements & Responses – Candidates and Party Leaders
Marques emphasized that the stakes in November are high and urged voter turnout. Figures countered that the district remains winnable, citing his record of securing federal funds for hospitals, law enforcement, housing, water, and transportation projects. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) listed the race as a “Frontline” contest, noting that retaining the seat is essential to the party’s path back to a House majority.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Shomari is going to have the money. He is going to have the opportunity to keep this district. If we get out to vote, we can win it, and we can take this seat back for the Republicans,” — Rep. Rhett Marques
- “Our path back to the majority hinges on holding seats like Shomari’s,” — DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene
Why It Matters – Potential Impact on House Balance
The 2nd District is identified by the National Republican Congressional Committee as a key target to flip a seat the GOP lost in 2024. With the House majority narrowly held by Republicans, the outcome could influence overall partisan control in the 2026 midterms.
What's Next – November 3 General Election
The general election is scheduled for November 3. Both campaigns are expected to invest heavily in voter outreach and advertising as the district’s new demographic balance makes the contest one of the most closely watched congressional races in the country.
