Current:Home > ContactCrowded race for Alabama’s new US House district, as Democrats aim to flip seat in November -Wealth Navigators Hub
Crowded race for Alabama’s new US House district, as Democrats aim to flip seat in November
View
Date:2025-04-18 18:00:13
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The race for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, which was redrawn by a federal court to boost the voting power of Black voters, has sparked congested and competitive primary contests.
Democrats see an opportunity to flip the Deep South congressional seat in November. Republicans aim to keep hold of the seat, as control of the U.S. House of Representatives is on the line. A total of 18 candidates — 11 Democrats and seven Republicans — are running in the new district.
The revamped 2nd Congressional District, which stretches from Mobile through Montgomery to the Georgia border, is being viewed as a once-in-a generation opportunity for Democrats in a state where Republicans dominate.
The contest is one of two heated congressional primaries in the state on Super Tuesday. In the 1st Congressional District, two Republican congressmen — Rep. Jerry Carl and Rep. Barry Moore — are facing off in a primary showdown that will end with one of them leaving office next year.
A federal court in November drew new congressional lines after ruling Alabama had illegally diluted the voting strength 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 age population and have a reasonable opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice.
The large number of people competing in the 2nd Congressional District makes it likely that the race will go to an April 16 runoff between the top two finishers. A runoff is required unless a single candidate captures more than 50% of the vote.
Candidates include Shomari Figures, a resident of Mobile and former deputy chief of staff to the 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 Rep. Napoleon Bracy, Jr. of Prichard; state Sen. Merika Coleman of Pleasant Grove; state Rep. Juandalynn Givan of Birmingham and state Rep. Jeremy Gray of Opelika.
Also running 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; real estate agent Hampton Harris; Stacey T. Shepperson of Saraland; and Newton City Council member Belinda Thomas.
The shifting district lines have led to an unusual competition in the GOP primary for south Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Moore challenged Carl, the incumbent in the 1st Congressional District after being drawn out of the 2nd Congressional District, which he currently represents.
The two Republicans and their supporters have traded accusations over voting records, late tax payments and loyalty to former President Donald Trump.
Both are in their second terms in Congress after being elected in 2020 to their respective districts. Moore is a former member of the Alabama Legislature. Carl served as president of the Mobile County Commission.
The winner will face Democrat Tom Holmes in November.
veryGood! (4999)
Related
- Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
- UAW’s clash with Big 3 automakers shows off a more confrontational union as strike deadline looms
- On the Road celebrates Labor Day with 85-year-old hospital cleaner working her dream job
- Peacock, Big Ten accidentally debut 'big turd' sign on Michigan-East Carolina broadcast
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Lobstermen Face Hypoxia in Outer Cape Waters
- Four astronauts return to Earth in SpaceX capsule to wrap up six-month station mission
- Would you buy a haunted house? The true dark story behind a 'haunted' mansion for sale
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Nightengale's Notebook: 20 burning questions entering MLB's stretch run
Ranking
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Teen shot dead by police after allegedly killing police dog, firing gun at officers
- How to make a meaningful connection with a work of art
- On the Road celebrates Labor Day with 85-year-old hospital cleaner working her dream job
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Biden says he went to his house in Rehoboth Beach, Del., because he can’t go ‘home home’
- Reshaped Death Valley park could take months to reopen after damage from Hilary
- Russia moon probe crash likely left 33-foot-wide crater on the lunar surface, NASA images show
Recommendation
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
'Every hurricane is different': Why experts are still estimating Idalia's impact
Over 245,000 pounds of Banquet frozen chicken strips recalled over plastic concerns
UN nuclear watchdog report seen by AP says Iran slows its enrichment of near-weapons-grade uranium
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Bad Bunny, John Stamos and All the Stars Who Stripped Down in NSFW Photos This Summer
Disney wants to narrow the scope of its lawsuit against DeSantis to free speech claim
Jordan Travis accounts for 5 TDs and No. 8 Florida State thumps No. 5 LSU 45-24 in marquee matchup