MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Incumbent Democrat Shomari Figures has released two ads as he seeks reelection in Alabama’s newly redrawn 2nd Congressional District.
The two 30-second ads were paid for by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, U.S. House Democrats’ fundraising arm, and Figures’ campaign committee. The DCCC said the two ads were a six-figure buy across the three media markets included in the district: Montgomery, Dothan and Columbus, Ga..
The first ad touts Figures’ role in striking a deal to help Montgomery-area Jackson Hospital emerge from bankruptcy. The hospital had threatened to close its doors this summer if it didn’t reach a deal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, the state’s largest insurer, to raise reimbursement rates. Jackson and BCBSAL signed an agreement in August, and the hospital exited bankruptcy soon after the deal was announced.
“Jackson Hospital teeters on the brink, threatening care for 55,000,” the ad’s narrator says. “Shomari Figures steps up, determined to save the hospital. Figures brought together all sides to keep the hospital open and finally a breakthrough.”
The second ad brings up Figures’ attempt to aid Alabama’s farmers as they face higher costs and a tough economy. The Mobile Democrat filed a bill earlier this month to stop President Donald Trump’s move to import 300,000 metric tons of beef.
“Global tariffs and foreign imports are crippling Alabama farmers,” the ad says. “Shomari Figures is fighting back, leading the effort to stop foreign beef imports undercutting farmers. And Figures is pushing economic relief for farmers impacted by global tariffs.”
The bellwether 2nd District race between Republican State Rep. Rhett Marques of Enterprise and Figures will be a test of Alabama’s redistricting efforts. State lawmakers moved to revert to the state’s 2023 GOP-friendly congressional map after the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Louisiana v. Callais.
Though many state lawmakers thought the new district would easily flip red again, both national parties have marked the race as competitive, pouring in millions from campaign committees.
The redrawn district stretches from the Wiregrass to Montgomery and from Russell County to Lowndes County but keeps many of Figures’ current constituents in the 2nd District. It is about 40% Black, while the current district is nearly 49% Black.
The general election is on Nov. 3. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19.