Full Breakdown
Redrawn Alabama District Sets Up High-Stakes 2024 Contest
8/13/2026, 1:31:48 AM
Background: Supreme Court Decision and Map Changes
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Alabama Republicans to reinstate a 2023 congressional map that eliminated the majority-Black Montgomery-area district. The new 2nd Congressional District now stretches from the Georgia state line to the Mississippi border. The Cook Political Report rates the district as “likely” to flip to the GOP this fall. Redistricting cut the Black voting-age population from 48 % to 40 %, while Black residents comprise about 27 % of Alabama’s overall population. The change follows a June ruling that struck down a Louisiana majority-Black district as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, prompting Southern GOP legislatures to pursue similar maps.
Candidates and Campaign Dynamics
Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures, first elected in 2024 after a long Voting Rights Act litigation, runs unopposed in the Democratic primary. He says the district remains winnable despite the new boundaries. Republican state Rep. Rhett Marques, a tire-shop owner and legislator since 2018, secured the GOP nomination after a six-way primary and received endorsements from President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has listed Figures’ seat as a “Frontline” priority, arguing that holding it is essential for the party’s path back to the House majority.
Official Statements & Responses
DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene emphasized that retaining Figures’ seat is critical for Democratic control of the chamber. The NRCC pledged support for Marques, highlighting his alignment with former President Trump’s agenda. Local officials, including Montgomery County Commission vice chairman Isaiah Sankey, warned that the redistricting effort echoes past attempts to dilute Black political power, though some community members remain optimistic about Figures’ chances.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our path back to the majority hinges on holding seats like Shomari’s,” — Suzan DelBene, DCCC Chair “Our path back to the majority hinges on holding seats like Shomari’s,” — DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene
- “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,” — Rhett Marques, Republican candidate “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,” — Republican Rhett Marques
- “With your help, common sense will conquer craziness in November,” — Rhett Marques, Republican candidate “With your help, common sense will conquer craziness in November,” — Republican Rhett Marques
- “I think he represents us and the things that are important to our state,” — Maggie Walker, retired educator and voter “I think he represents us and the things that are important to our state,” — Maggie Walker
