MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As the race for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District enters its final days, both candidates are intensifying their efforts to energize voters in a contest that holds significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The district, traditionally a stronghold for Republicans, underwent a transformation after a federal court determined that Alabama had unlawfully undermined the voting power of Black residents. The newly drawn district has nearly 49% of its voting-age population made up of Black voters, leading the non-partisan Cook Political Report to classify it as “likely Democrat.” Regardless, both candidates maintain that the seat remains competitive.

During their final campaign initiatives, each candidate focused on motivating voter turnout. Shomari Figures, the Democratic nominee, spoke near a Rosa Parks statue in downtown Montgomery, positioning the election as a chance to advance the civil rights movement’s legacy. Figures, who has a background as a civil rights attorney’s son and served as an aide in both the Obama White House and under U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, emphasized the role of governmental accountability in improving life for Alabamians.

“Growing up in Mobile taught me early the integral role federal oversight plays in demanding justice within our state,” Figures remarked during an event in Mobile. His platform highlights longstanding issues in health care, infrastructure, and education, pointing out that many in Alabama suffer from alarmingly low life expectancies.

“We’re going to win this thing. But the goal is not merely victory; it’s about doing the necessary work,” he asserted in Mobile. Adding further support, former President Barack Obama recorded a message urging voters to back Figures, stating, “America needs you to lead the charge for change once again,” while referencing Alabama’s civil rights legacy.

In contrast, Republican candidate Caroleene Dobson has been vocal about the challenging issues of inflation and immigration, which she believes resonate with families across party lines. While engaging with patrons at a well-known deli in Montgomery, she emphasized the importance of turnout and declared, “This is a pivotal moment for the people of this district to send a strong message to Washington that we seek change, not the status quo.”

Dobson, identified as a real estate attorney, continually labels Figures as a “Washington insider.” She articulated her concerns about rising prices and crime, asserting, “In every conversation I have throughout the district, people stress that we cannot endure another four years of these escalating problems. My opponent hasn’t offered real solutions; rather, he’s supported policies that contributed to these issues.”

Moreover, the Alabama Republican Party has circulated a series of contentious mailers aimed at discrediting Figures, one of which featured a mug shot of a Black man involved in a drug trafficking case accompanied by text insinuating that Figures endorses the release of “dangerous criminals.” Figures denounced the ads as “race-baiting,” quipping, “If the Republican party wanted to depict a criminal, they should have included Donald Trump.”

John Wahl, Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, defended the mailers by stating that “crime impacts all communities, and every victim deserves justice, regardless of race.” It should be noted that these mailers were distributed by the state party, separate from Dobson’s campaign efforts.

The election has mobilized various community voices. At a campaign event, Montgomery real estate developer Charlie Trotman expressed his support for Dobson, asserting, “She is someone I would be honored to have represent us. I find her to be very intelligent.”

In Mobile, Shalela Dowdy, a prominent advocate who contested the original congressional map, labeled the election as the “fight of our lives” while expressing cautious optimism. A West Point graduate, Dowdy stated her involvement in the lawsuit stemmed from a desire to address the overlooked needs of Black communities. She believes the new district structure will ensure that the elected representative is accountable to all constituents, regardless of race.

“This will ensure that they have a seat at the table, allowing their voices to be heard and not be overlooked,” Dowdy stressed.