Alabama’s second congressional district election is once again gaining national attention.
In a recent report, Reuters highlighted the contest as one of eleven House races to watch.
The district was redrawn last year after a three-judge panel made its selection from maps proposed by an appointed Special Master. This came after a ruling stating that the maps authorized by the Alabama Legislature did not meet the standards of the Voting Rights Act.
“Shomari Figures, a Democratic former Justice Department official, and first-time candidate Caroleene Dobson, a Republican, emerged from an April 16 runoff primary,” said the report. “The district was created after a federal court ordered Alabama to implement a congressional map that created a second largely Black district. That decision is expected to give Democrats a rare opportunity to gain a seat in the conservative Southern state.”
RELATED: Shomari Figures wins Democratic runoff in Alabama’s newly-drawn 2nd Congressional District
District 2 will now have a 48.7% Black voting age population, causing many to believe that a Democrat will most likely win that congressional seat.
Caroleene Dobson was able to gain the Republican nomination after defeating former State Sen. Dick Brewbaker (R-Pike Road), while Shomari Figures was able to gain the Democratic nomination after defeating State Rep. Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville).
According to a poll conducted earlier this month, Figures had a slight edge with 45% of the vote to Dobson’s 44%, with 10% undecided.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.