Former President Barack Obama has thrown his support behind Shomari Figures, endorsing his former aide in Alabama’s closely watched 2nd Congressional District race.
In a recorded statement, Obama said Alabama has played a leading role in the American civil rights movement and urged voters to cast their ballots for Figures to continue the effort.
“By sending Shomari Figures to Congress, you’ll have someone committed to improving economic and healthcare outcomes for everyone. I know this because Shomari served in my administration, helping implement policies to make life better for all Americans,” Obama said in the recording.
Figures worked for Obama’s 2008 campaign before serving a 12-year stint in roles throughout the federal government, including in the Obama White House as Liaison to the U.S. Department of Justice. Later, Figures served in roles at the Departments of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Justice. He most recently worked as Deputy Chief of Staff to AG Merrick Garland under the Biden-Harris administration.
“I am humbled and grateful to President Obama for his support, and for the incredible opportunity I had to work and learn from him and his Administration,” Shomari Figures said.
“His humility, integrity, decency, and historic leadership continues to inspire millions of people around the world, and I am thankful he gave a kid from Mobile, Alabama the chance to play a small part in such a historic and productive chapter in America’s story.”
Voters in the newly-redrawn Alabama 2nd Congressional District to head to the polls to decide between Figures and Republican challenger Caroleene Dobson. Both nominees are first-time political candidates.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
