Shomari Figures, the Black Democrat running in an Alabama congressional district that was redrawn by court order last year, has won the seat from Republican Caroleene Dobson, NBC News projects.
With 84% of the vote reported Tuesday, Figures had 54.8% of the vote compared to 45.1% for Dobson.
In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld an earlier ruling that found Alabama’s district map likely discriminated against black voters and ordered the 2nd District redrawn. The new area has a majority of black voters: 47.6%, compared to 45% who are white.
A three-judge panel reshaped the district, which now includes places like Tuskegee, Montgomery and Mobile, giving black voters the power to have a say in who is elected where they live.
Figures, who worked in the Obama administration, grew up in part-county Mobile. His late father, Michael Figures, was an Alabama state senator and his mother now serves in that role. The son’s victory is crucial to Democrats’ efforts to regain control of the House of Representatives.
“We feel like a lot of people want us to be a voice that goes to Washington to actually prioritize solving some of the problems in their community and getting funding to address some of the problems in their community. Figures told NBC News ahead of the election.
Figures, 39, said he is happy to take on the role of an advocate for Black people in his state.
He told journalist Maya Rupert in an interview last month: “When you grow up black, especially in Alabama, you learn pretty early on the role the federal government has historically played in making sure this state does what’s right for black people.
He added, “And that’s something that always resonated with me, and it was one of the motivating factors for me in seeking a career in the federal government.”
The numbers represent Alabama alongside Rep. Terri Sewell, also a Democrat. It will be the first time that Alabama’s congressional delegation will include two black members.
Republicans have controlled the 2nd District since 1965, with the exception of 2009-2011. Dobson, a real estate attorney, wanted to continue the Republican hold on the district in the most expensive House race in state history, according to the Alabama Reflector.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ rise to the top of the Democratic ticket in July after President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race boosted enthusiasm about the new district, and Figures followed that wave, a political analysis shows. In August, he had a huge advantage – 51% to 39% – over Dobson. The gap narrowed as the race got closer, but the numbers prevailed nonetheless.
“People are ready for the kind of leadership that is going to pay attention to the communities, to the provinces, to the populations of people who think they have been overlooked for far too long,” Figures said.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
