Crowded race for Alabama’s new US House district, as Democrats aim to flip seat in November
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The race for Alabama’s second congressional district, which was redrawn by a federal court to increase the voting power of black voters, has led to congested and competitive primaries.
Democrats see an opportunity to flip the Deep South congressional seat in November. Republicans are aiming to retain the seat as control of the US House of Representatives is at stake. There are a total of eighteen candidates – eleven Democrats and seven Republicans – in the new district.
The revamped 2nd Congressional District, which stretches from Mobile through Montgomery to the border with Georgia, is seen as a unique opportunity for Democrats in a Republican-dominated state.
The contest is one of two heated congressional primaries on Super Tuesday in the state. In the 1st Congressional District, two Republican members of Congress – Rep. Jerry Carl and Rep. Barry Moore – face off in a primary showdown that will end with the departure of one of them next year.
A federal court drew new congressional lines in November after the Alabama ruling illegally diluted the voting power of black residents. The three-judge panel said Alabama, which is 27% black, should have a second district where black voters make up a substantial portion of the voting population and have a reasonable chance of electing a candidate of their choice.
The large number of people competing in the 2nd Congressional District makes it likely that the April 16 race will be between the top two finishers. A runoff is required unless a single candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.
Candidates include Shomari Figures, a Mobile resident and former deputy chief of staff to U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, as well as high-profile members of the Alabama Legislature: House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels of Huntsville; State Representative Napoleon Bracy, Jr. from Prichard; state Sen. Merika Coleman of Pleasant Grove; State Rep. Juandalynn Givan of Birmingham and State Rep. Jeremy Gray of Opelika.
Also active are former U.S. Marine James Averhart, education consultant Phyllis Harvey-Hall, retired businessman Willie J. Lenard, businessman Vimal Patel and Larry Darnell Simpson.
The eight Republicans who have qualified to run are: state Sen. Greg Albritton of Atmore; former state Sen. Dick Brewbaker of Pike Road; attorney Caroleene Dobson; business owner Karla M. DuPriest; broker Hampton Harris; Stacey T. Shepperson of Saraland; and Belinda Thomas, Newton City Council member.
The shifting district lines have created unusual competition in the GOP primary for South Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Moore challenged Carl, the incumbent in the 1st Congressional District, after withdrawing from the 2nd Congressional District, which he currently represents.
The two Republicans and their supporters have traded accusations over voting results, late tax payments and loyalty to former President Donald Trump.
Both are in their second terms in Congress after being elected to their respective districts in 2020. Moore is a former member of the Alabama Legislature. Carl was chairman of the Mobile County Commission.
The winner will face Democrat Tom Holmes in November.