Democrats pledge to help re-elect Shomari Figures despite Alabama’s court-ordered GOP map

U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures is facing a high-stakes battle for a second term in a district reshaped by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding Alabama’s congressional maps.

A Changing Landscape

Two years ago, Figures, a Democrat from Mobile, was elected under a court-approved map that stretched from the Georgia line through Montgomery to Mobile, boasting a population that was nearly 50% Black. However, the political reality has shifted. Under the map approved by the Legislature in 2023, District 2 now spans from Montgomery across the Wiregrass of southeast Alabama, creating a district that leans in favor of Republicans.

Frontline Support

Despite the challenging geography, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is betting on Figures to defend his seat. The organization has named the Alabama race as a key component of its Frontline campaign, a strategic initiative designed to bolster Democratic incumbents in the most competitive and pivotal districts as the party fights to reclaim control of Congress this November.

The Frontline program provides critical support, including candidate training, fundraising assistance, and staff resources. Figures joins 25 other House members currently supported by the effort.

U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, chairwoman of the DCCC, expressed strong backing for the freshman congressman. "Shomari is the fighter that the people of Alabama need in Congress," DelBene said in a statement. "Our path back to the majority hinges on holding seats like Shomari’s."

The Road to November

While Figures is currently unopposed in the special primary on Aug. 11, the Republican side is crowded. Six candidates are vying for the GOP nomination: Hampton Harris, Christian Horn, Joshua McKee, David Matthews, James Richardson, and state Rep. Rhett Marques of Enterprise, who recently secured an endorsement from U.S. Sen. Katie Britt.

The top vote-getter in the Aug. 11 primary will move directly to the general election to challenge Figures, as there will be no runoff.