Alabama voters made significant changes to the state’s congressional delegation in Tuesday’s primary elections, with one Republican incumbent being ousted and four candidates heading to runoffs in a district that was redrawn to give Black voters more representation.
Republican Rep. Barry Moore emerged victorious in a closely contested primary in the 1st Congressional District against fellow GOP Rep. Jerry Carl. The district lines were redrawn by a federal court, prompting Moore to challenge Carl in the more Republican-leaning 1st District.
The revamped 2nd District will require runoffs to determine the general election match-up, with Democrats eyeing the opportunity to flip a once reliably GOP congressional seat in the Deep South. Shomari Figures and state Rep. Anthony Daniels will face off in an April 16 runoff for the Democratic nomination, while former state Sen. Dick Brewbaker and attorney Caroleene Dobson will compete for the Republican nomination.
The federal court ordered the redrawing of the 2nd District last fall, citing violations of the Voting Rights Act. The new district stretches from Mobile through Montgomery to the Georgia border, aiming to provide Black voters with a greater opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice.
The race drew a crowded field with multiple candidates from both parties, making runoffs necessary to decide the nominations. The primary was marked by heated exchanges between Carl and Moore, with accusations flying over voting records, tax payments, and loyalty to former President Donald Trump.
Moore expressed gratitude to his supporters and volunteers for his victory and will face Democrat Tom Holmes in the November election. The Democratic candidates in the 2nd District included a diverse group of state representatives, a state senator, and other professionals vying for the nomination.
With control of the U.S. House of Representatives at stake, both parties are gearing up for a competitive race in Alabama’s newly redrawn districts. The outcome of the runoffs and the general election in November will be closely watched as the state’s political landscape continues to evolve.
