Shomari Figures, a Democrat with a strong political lineage, is set to go head-to-head with Caroleene Dobson, a Republican political newcomer, in a highly anticipated race for Alabama’s Second Congressional District this November. The district, recently redrawn to include more Black voters following a Supreme Court ruling, is now seen as one of the most competitive in the South.
Figures, who comes from a family deeply rooted in Alabama politics, will bring his experience from working in the Justice Department and the Obama administration to the table. On the other hand, Dobson, a lawyer, will be looking to make her mark as a fresh voice in Washington.
In the primary runoffs, Figures defeated State Representative Anthony Daniels, while Dobson emerged victorious over former state senator Dick Brewbaker. The race is expected to be closely watched, as the outcome could potentially lead to Alabama sending two Black representatives to Washington for the first time in history.
With the district encompassing areas like Mobile, Montgomery, and the Black Belt, where the legacy of slavery still looms large, both candidates will have to navigate complex issues and appeal to a diverse electorate. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report has labeled the district as a likely Democratic seat, setting the stage for a fierce battle between Figures and Dobson in the coming months.
