‘Straight-up socialist’: Rhett Marques lands NFIB endorsement, hits Shomari Figures for voting against tax cuts on tips and overtime

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September 10, 2026

(Rhett Marques for Congress/Contributed)

Republican congressional nominee and State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) picked up the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business on Thursday, and used the opportunity to underscore the vast contrasts between himself and his opponent, U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures D-Mobile).

The endorsement was announced at Goodson Tire and Auto in Enterprise, the business Marques owned and operated for more than two decades before entering state politics.

“I am standing here today because I believe in the American Dream that allowed Christina and me to take a chance on a tire store in Enterprise, Alabama, work hard, build a business, employ hardworking people, raise our family, and build a life and home we are proud of,” Marques said.

Marques then turned his attention to Figures, the incumbent Democrat he will face in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District.

“I am running against an opponent who voted against cutting taxes on overtime pay and tips,” Marques said. “Shomari Figures wants to take more money out of our small businesses and your pockets and send it to Washington, D.C.”

Figures voted against final passage of the 2025 reconciliation package known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The broader legislation included new federal income-tax deductions for qualified tips and overtime compensation, along with numerous other tax and spending provisions.

Marques also attacked Figures over a House resolution passed last week condemning socialism “in all its forms.” Figures was recorded as not voting on the resolution, which passed 220-192.

“At the end of the day, Shomari and his radical Democrat party are just straight-up socialists,” Marques said.

“I am the small business candidate in this race. My opponent is the socialist candidate in this race.”

Marques also announced the launch of CrazinessVsCommonSense.com, a campaign website contrasting his record and policy positions with Figures’.

Marques, a state representative since 2018, is challenging Figures for the redrawn 2nd Congressional District seat in November. Figures has represented the district since 2025.

Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].