GOP’s fight to retake Alabama Congressional seat could be ‘the most watched’ race of 2026 election
Rhett Marques said his race against Shomari Figures will "be one of the most highly contested races in the country."
Ryan Cooper 
The race for Alabama's 2nd Congressional District is shaping up to be a political heavyweight bout. U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, one of only two Alabama Democrats in Congress, is fighting to secure a second term in a district fundamentally transformed by recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
A High-Stakes Showdown
State Rep. Rhett Marques has secured the GOP nomination, setting the stage for a November battle as Republicans look to expand their congressional majority. Speaking in Enterprise, Marques made his expectations for the campaign clear: “This is probably going to be one of the most highly contested races in the country. It’s going to be the most watched.”
Figures, who won his first election in 2024 with 55% of the vote, is emphasizing his legislative record. He touts over $17 million in funding brought back to the district for law enforcement, hospitals, and infrastructure. Conversely, Figures has criticized his opponent’s support for the state’s gas tax, framing Marques as a potential “rubber stamp” for costly national policies.
The Redistricting Factor
The new congressional map has left the district without Mobile, resulting in a composition that is 40% Black and widely considered to lean Republican. David Alan Hughes, an associate professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, notes the uphill battle, stating, “He’ll do well compared to other districts, but I would still be surprised if Shomari Figures can retain that seat.”
Despite the skepticism, the Democratic camp remains undeterred. State party chairman Sen. Bobby Singleton has signaled that the district is a priority, while national groups have committed resources to help incumbents like Figures who face uphill reelection fights.
Regional Dynamics and Data Centers
The Wiregrass region remains a pivotal battleground, and Marques—based in Enterprise—has earned support from heavy hitters like the Alabama Farmers Federation, the Alabama Forestry Association, and the Home Builders Association. Additionally, Marques holds an endorsement from Donald Trump, a significant advantage in areas carried by the former president in 2024.
A major point of contention involves the rise of large-scale data center developments. Figures has garnered attention from former Republican voters by advocating for stricter local control over these projects. While Marques told 205focus.com that “there are plenty of places in Alabama for a data center” and suggested the decision should remain with local municipalities, Figures continues to press for greater community leverage in tax and investment negotiations.
As the campaign heats up, Figures remains focused on his core platform, including the defense of Social Security, healthcare, and public education, while the GOP looks to leverage the district's conservative lean to flip the seat.
