New maps, tight timelines and big stakes define South Alabama’s special elections
With candidates locked in for August, South Alabama’s newly drawn 1st and 2nd Districts are headed for pivotal special elections in less than 80 days.
Mason Reed 
With the filing deadline now in the rearview mirror, the field is set for two high-stakes special elections on Aug. 11. These races will not only dictate federal representation for Southern Alabama but could also play a critical role in the future balance of power in the U.S. House.
A High-Speed Sprint
Candidates have less than 80 days to make their case to voters. Due to the accelerated timeline, this will be a winner-takes-all, plurality-based contest—a rare situation where Alabama will bypass the traditional runoff process entirely.
The Battle for District 1
Following a special legislative session that reunited Mobile and Baldwin counties, the 1st Congressional District is back in the spotlight. Former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, who showed significant strength in Tuesday’s GOP primary under the now-invalidated 2023 map, is considered the frontrunner. Carl faces challenges from Austin Sidwell, John Mills, and newcomer Lucas Burger.
The eventual Republican nominee will square off against Democrat Clyde Jones in the Nov. 3 general election. With a district composition of 65.4% white and 25.1% Black residents, the seat remains a GOP stronghold that has been held by Republicans since 1965.
Crowded Field in District 2
The 2nd Congressional District features a far more crowded Republican primary. State Rep. Rhett Marques, who boasts an endorsement from U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, enters a field including Hampton Harris, Christian Horn, James Richardson, Joshua McKee, and David Matthews. Marques performed well in rural Wiregrass counties on Tuesday, setting the stage for a competitive August showdown.
The GOP winner will face off against incumbent U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures. Despite the district's new boundaries, Figures is remaining in the race, noting that the area includes the majority of his current constituents. The 2nd District currently stands at 51% white and 40% Black, and includes Montgomery County, which saw the highest turnout among Alabama’s largest counties in Tuesday’s primary.
Local Perspectives and Future Stakes
While some, like Fairhope City Council member Jack Burrell, cited the tight qualifying window as a barrier to entry, others see the redrawn map as a chance to focus on regional priorities like the $3.5 billion Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. However, the consolidation of Mobile and Baldwin counties has its detractors. Rep. Sam Jones, D-Mobile, argued that the regions possess distinct economic identities and expressed deep concerns regarding the loss of minority representation, signaling that these shifts may spark continued political friction across the state.
