U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) is taking a victory lap for funding he voted against.

Figures, who is running for reelection in Alabama’s Second Congressional District despite not residing in the district, in an article published Monday by Alabama Political Reporter, said, “I’m thrilled to see our community receive significant federal support and investment with over $8.5 million in federal funding.”

The funding in question, per the article, is “$8,506,686 in federal funds, awarded through a U.S. Department of Transportation grant, (that) will go toward rehabilitating more than 9,000 feet of existing runway to enhance structural integrity, minimize debris and extend the runway’s useful life.”

However, the article fails to mention that the funding stems from Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations enacted in H.R.7148, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.” On final passage of that bill on February 3, 2026, Figures voted “nay.” He was the only member of Alabama’s House delegation to vote against the funding, with his fellow Democrat Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) voting “yea.”

In addition to claiming credit for and touting the grant funding he voted against, Figures also neglected to mention that the Trump Administration, led by President Donald Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy in this case, were responsible for this project award, given it came through a discretionary Airport Improvement Program grant administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the United States Department of Transportation.

Sewell has previously criticized Alabama Republicans for touting grant awards funded by legislation they previously voted against.

Figures served in both the Obama and Biden Administrations. His reelection campaign has the strong financial backing of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).