Shomari Figures, a Mobile native who grew up in a Civil Rights-focused household that included two parents involved in politics, has made history by winning Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. The attorney, has previously served as a Domestic Director in the Obama administration, White House liaison to then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Legislative Council for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, and Deputy Chief of Staff for then-Attorney General Merrick Garland. The accomplishments continued on Election Tuesday as Figures, a married father of three, defeated Republican candidate Caroleene Dobson in the 2024 General Election after winning the Democratic Party primary in April.
“For the past three years, voting rights and civic engagement organizations, grassroots organizers, and everyday Alabamians have worked together in the fight to ensure that all communities across our state are fairly represented by our government. The landmark SCOTUS decision in the Allen v Milligan redistricting case last year created a new congressional district map that many in our network considered a once in a generation opportunity for marginalized voices across central and south Alabama to finally be heard,” shared Alabama Forward Executive Director Deanna Fowler, “Strong voter turnout in the new district today is a shining example of what can happen when communities come together and all Alabamians believe their vote truly matters. The Alabama Forward network looks forward to continuing to work with our communities to push for even more progress in our state, so that all voices are heard, every vote counts, and each Alabamian has the freedoms and resources they need to live a fulfilling life.”
The 2nd Congressional District victory holds even more significance as it came after the Allen v. Milligan decision. This 2023 Supreme Court ruling determined Alabama must create a second House district that is majority Black or close to a minority-majority percentage. District 2 now covers the width of South Alabama from Choctaw to Russell county and includes the city of Mobile. The Black population in this district is 48.7%, which puts it alongside District 7 as the state’s only other majority-Black voting block. Figures joins Terri Sewell as Alabama’s lone Black and Democratic members of the House of Representatives, and will be the 6th Black member ever to represent the state of Alabama.
Figures’ victory had a large historical context, but for the people of District 2 it also felt deeply personal. “Seeing this victory is truly powerful and meaningful, not only because of the win itself, but because it affirms that all the hard work, resilience, and dedication poured into this fight for fair representation as a Black Alabamian has truly paid off. The determination and commitment to justice from the plaintiff and those who litigated Allen v. Milligan has set a new precedent for representation in Alabama,” shared Stand Up Mobile Board Member and a plaintiff in Allen v. Milligan Shalela Dowdy, “This win means that, at least for the next two years, we will finally have the representation we need and deserve. We have someone who genuinely reflects the interests and needs of our community.”
The election victory isn’t just a significant moment in the state of Alabama. It has a huge impact on the national political scene as well, as every seat counts in a narrowly divided United States House of Representatives. The change from a single Democratic representative from the state to two reduces the amount of seats that the DNC has to flip in other states to hold a majority of the House.
“Shomari Figures’ win in District 2 is a powerful moment for Alabama. This victory shows what happens when the people’s voices are finally centered, when fair maps give communities the power to choose leaders who stand for them,” emphasized Anneshia Hardy, Executive Director of Alabama Values, “It’s proof that when we unite and demand our rightful representation, we shift the future. Let this be a call to keep pushing, because this win is only the beginning of what’s possible when we lead with our collective power.”
While the election provided a clear winner in the new Congressional District, Alabama lawmakers are returning to court on February 10, 2025 in an attempt to get their already-rejected districting maps approved. Milligan v. Allen was seen by the Supreme Court in 2023 when the court kept an injunction in place that required the state to create a second majority-minority district. If the court were to reverse their decision or allow a pathway for a different map, it would create additional uncertainty in the next election cycle.
While there is still another decision on the horizon, last night’s election outcome shows what happens when fair maps are drawn and Alabamians get to select someone who represents their interests.