Alabama GOP Picks Challenger in Redrawn District as Figures Eyes Second Term

Republicans in Alabama's 2nd Congressional District are set to choose their nominee on Tuesday to challenge Democratic incumbent Shomari Figures, who is seeking a second term. The district was redrawn by the GOP-controlled legislature following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakened Voting Rights Act protections, making it more favorable to Republicans.

Six candidates are vying for the nomination, including state Rep. Rhett Marques, who has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Marques emphasized the importance of flipping the seat, saying, "We need to win this seat back for the state and for the country." Other contenders include lawyer Hampton Harris, business owner Christian Horn, former Trump administration official David Matthews, former Green Beret Joshua McKee, and former Marine James Richardson.

The race is seen as critical for control of the U.S. House, where Republicans hold a slim majority. Both parties have prioritized the district. Figures, who won the seat in 2024 after a federal court ruled that the original map diluted Black voting power, is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

The district's Black voting-age population has dropped from 48% to 40% after the redraw. It now covers Alabama's southeastern corner, including Montgomery and Tuskegee, and includes a significant military presence. Figures, speaking at a church near the historic Selma-to-Montgomery march route, expressed confidence, noting he already represents over half of the new district.

Some residents see the redistricting as a step backward. "We're going backward with everything," said Isaiah Sankey, vice chairman of the Montgomery County Commission, "but it's OK — we are used to the struggle." Despite the challenges, Figures' supporters remain optimistic about his chances in November.