Former US Justice Department official Shomari Figures secured a victory in the Democratic primary runoff in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, according to CNN projections. This seat was redrawn under a new map that could lead to two Black House members from Alabama serving together for the first time in history. Figures defeated state House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels in the runoff after a crowded first-round vote last month. In the Republican primary runoff, real estate lawyer Caroleene Dobson clinched the nomination.
With Figures likely facing Dobson in November, there is potential for history to be made alongside Rep. Terri Sewell, a fellow Black Democrat. The new map, approved last fall to increase the district’s Black population, offers a chance for Democrats to pick up a seat. Former US Attorney General Eric Holder praised the election as a step towards increased voter turnout and progress, with the possibility of having two Black members in Congress from Alabama.
Before entering the race, Figures held prominent positions in the Justice Department and the Obama administration. He comes from a family with a deep-rooted history in Alabama politics, with his late father and mother both having served in political roles. The 2nd District race saw significant ad spending, with a pro-Figures super PAC funded by cryptocurrency interests leading the way. Dobson’s campaign focused on portraying her as a “Trump conservative” while criticizing her primary opponent as a typical politician.
Overall, the Alabama election results reflect a changing landscape in the state with the potential for historic representation in Congress.
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