Alabama Republican in different congressional race days before election after Supreme Court bombshell

In a major shake-up for Alabama politics, State Rep. Rhett Marques has announced he will move his congressional bid from District 1 to District 2. The decision comes just days before the scheduled primary and follows a pivotal 6-3 ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday.

The court's decision allows Alabama to implement a new congressional map recently passed by the state legislature. This updated map eliminates one of the state's two Black-majority U.S. House districts and shifts the boundaries so that Marques, an Enterprise Republican, no longer lives within the lines of District 1.

Marques and Richardson Pivot to District 2

Marques, who had been a frontrunner in the District 1 GOP race, described the ruling as a victory for Alabama voters. "Under the new maps, I am a candidate in District 2, and I am running hard to be the next Congressman from this district," Marques said. He pledged to support Senator Katie Britt and champion President Trump’s agenda, focusing on affordability for families and Christian conservative values.

He is not the only Wiregrass Republican making the move. James Richardson of Headland also announced his intention to shift his candidacy to District 2, stating he wants to continue serving Alabamians in the community where he lives.

Jerry Carl Stays the Course in District 1

While his primary competition shifts, former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl of Mobile confirmed he will remain a candidate for the Republican nomination in the 1st Congressional District. Carl, who had been locked in a competitive race with Marques, called the SCOTUS decision a "massive victory" for the state. Carl plans to run on his conservative record and his commitment to passing the Trump agenda.

Hampton Harris of Lowndesboro, the only Republican previously running in the 2nd District, said he remains in the race despite the new influx of candidates. Harris noted that the ruling is a significant win for the Republican Party.

What Happens to the May 19 Primary?

The sudden map change is expected to disrupt the Republican primary scheduled for May 19. While voters in the 1st District will still head to the polls next week to fill the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, the results will likely be voided. Governor Kay Ivey must now set new special election dates for four congressional seats: Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7.

The reinstated map returns District 1 to its long-standing configuration that combines Mobile and Baldwin counties. District 2—currently held by Democrat Shomari Figures—is set to revert to a majority-Republican district. The state will continue to have one Black Democratic district, long represented by Rep. Terri Sewell.