On Tuesday, Democratic nominee to Alabama’s newly-drawn 2nd Congressional District, Shomari Figures, announced the official support from Planned Parenthood, the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, and New Democrat Coalition Action Fund.
According to a campaign release, the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee strives to increase the number of Black Members in the U.S. Congress while also supporting Non-Black Candidates who will champion the needs and interests of the Black Community.
“In its 200-year history, Alabama has never had two Black members of Congress at the same time – leaving the priorities of millions of Black voters unrepresented in Washington, said CBCPAC Chairman Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY).
“This November, winning in AL-02 is mission critical. By electing Shomari Figures, we have an opportunity to make history and amplify voices that for too long have gone ignored. We look forward to welcoming Shomari to congress and tapping into his experience working in all three branches of the federal government – including in President Obama’s Administration – to advance policies that put Alabama, our communities and our country in better, stronger standing.”
RELATED: Shomari Figures wins Democratic runoff in Alabama’s newly-drawn 2nd Congressional District
In an interview with Punchbowl News, Figures warned against complacency, despite the Democratic lean of the new seat. “People need to know that this is a race. This is not a coronation,” Figures said. He added that Governor Kay Ivey carried the district in the 2022 election cycle.
As also noted by Punchbowl, “Alabama’s 2nd District is a significant chance for Democrats to flip a previously GOP-held seat. Given the small House Republican majority, Figures said his election could be the race that gives Hakeem Jeffries the speaker’s gavel.”
Figures, a University of Alabama and University of Alabama School of Law graduate, served in appointments across the Obama administration since 2008, including in the Departments of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Justice. In November, he’ll face Republican nominee Caroleene Dobson.
Last month, Reuters highlighted the contest as one of eleven House races to watch.
Alongside the endorsements rolled out by Figures included the support from Planned Parenthood Action Fund, which promotes three core philosophies as it relates to abortion, according to their website: “Abortion is Health Care. Abortion is Common. Abortion Is a Basic Right.”
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
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