The nonpartisan Cook Political Report shifted Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District toward Democrats on Thursday, moving the race from Solid Republican to Likely Republican and placing it two slots from toss-up territory.
The rating change puts the seat held by first-term U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) closer to competitive despite the Alabama Legislature redrawing the district after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the state’s 2023 congressional map earlier this year.
“Districts that once appeared to be relatively safe for Republicans look increasingly competitive,” Cook Political Report House editor Erin Covey wrote, noting that Democrats “remain in a strong position to regain control of the House, with the battlefield continuing to shift in their favor as the political environment further deteriorates for the GOP.”
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Alabama’s 2nd District was one of seven House races Cook moved toward Democrats on Thursday. Among those seven, Figures’ was the only Democrat-held district.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has already committed to supporting Figures in the redrawn district, arguing he can still win despite the more Republican-friendly lines.
On the Republican side, the August 11 special primary will determine who challenges Figures in November. State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) leads a six-candidate GOP field with 30% in an early poll, though 42% of voters remain undecided.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
