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NewsWPLG Local 10 – PoliticsOctober 31, 2026Miami-Dade County

U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures fights to defend Alabama's redrawn 2nd Congressional District against Republican challenger Rhett Marques

Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Politics

Democratic U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures is campaigning to hold his redrawn Alabama congressional seat against Republican state lawmaker Rhett Marques amid a high-stakes race fueled by millions in ad spending. The Alabama Legislature redrew the district to lower the Black voting-age population from 48% to 40% following a Supreme Court decision, making the area more favorable to Republicans.

ElectionsVoting RightsEconomyRedistricting
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Why It Matters

The outcome of this race in a competitive Southern district directly impacts the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives and reflects ongoing battles over voting rights and redistricting.

Key Facts

  • Alabama's Republican-controlled Legislature redrew the 2nd Congressional District following a U.S. Supreme Court decision, reducing the Black voting-age population from 48% to 40%.
  • Television advertising spending in the district has surged to nearly $10 million over seven weeks, with Democratic groups outspending Republicans.
  • U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures was initially elected in 2024 after a federal court ruled previous maps unlawfully diluted Black voting power.
  • President Donald Trump carried the area within the newly configured district by 14 percentage points two years prior.
  • Republican candidate Rhett Marques emphasizes his background on the Enterprise City Council, local business experience, and support for school choice and law enforcement.
  • Figures is campaigning across both conservative and Democratic strongholds, focusing messaging on economic concerns such as the cost of food, fuel, and fertilizer.
  • Alabama has a population that is 27% Black and holds seven U.S. House seats.

Who's Mentioned

PersonSteve Scalise“U.S. House Majority Leader from Louisiana.”PersonCory Booker“U.S. Senator from New Jersey who campaigned with Shomari Figures.”locationDothan“City in Alabama where campaign events took place.”locationEnterprise“City in Alabama hosting the Boll Weevil Fall Festival.”locationMontgomery“City in Alabama where campaign events took place.”PersonSheyann Webb-Christburg“Voting rights activist and resident of Montgomery.”OrganizationAdImpact“Advertising tracking firm reporting campaign spending figures.”locationSelma“Location of historic voting rights marches.”PersonJoe Biden“Democratic U.S. President whose administration is blamed by opponents for econom”locationTuskegee“City in Alabama known for its civil rights history.”PersonRhett Marques“State lawmaker and Republican candidate running for Congress in Alabama.”locationCoffee County“County where Sheriff Scott Byrd serves.”PersonFrancis Fanning“Retired substitute teacher in Montgomery who expressed concern over redrawn dist”PersonScott Byrd“Coffee County Sheriff supporting Rhett Marques.”locationHouston County“County in Alabama where Greater Beulah Baptist Church is located.”PersonDonald Trump“U.S. President who endorsed Rhett Marques.”PersonThomas Beaumont“Associated Press writer who contributed to the report.”PersonShomari Figures“U.S. Representative defending his congressional seat in Alabama's 2nd District.”