MOBILE, Ala. — Eric Holder, the former U.S. Attorney General, who advocated for the recent legal actions leading to the redistricting of Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, emphasized that the upcoming election presents a significant chance for voters in the state.
During a campaign event in Mobile on Monday, Holder joined Shomari Figures, the Democratic candidate for the district, for a series of stops aimed at rallying support. The National Democratic Redistricting Committee, which Holder chairs, was instrumental in the court case that restructured the district, enabling a more competitive environment that allows Black voters to have greater influence on the electoral process.
Speaking at the historic Big Zion AME Zion Church, which has been a cornerstone in Mobile for the past 182 years, Holder reminded the audience of the sacrifices made during the voting rights movement in Alabama, particularly in pivotal locations like Selma and Birmingham. He urged those present to honor this legacy through voting and expressed his support for Figures, stating, “He’ll also fight for that ultimate progress where justice, fairness and equality are just the norm, not something that we point to as abnormal.”
Holder, who is Black, referenced the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., emphasizing that while the moral arc of the universe leans toward justice, it is the responsibility of individuals to actively shape that arc. Figures, having served in the Obama administration and worked closely with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, is up against Republican candidate Caroleene Dobson in the election slated for November 5. To bolster turnout, Figures has secured endorsements from prominent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who will be participating in an upcoming event in Montgomery.
Figures articulated the significance of the race, stating, “We can again show America that Alabama can lead the way… Because the truth about this seat is that it is central to determining control of the House of Representatives.”
Following Holder’s address, a representative for the Dobson campaign remarked that the election outcome will be determined by the voters, not external endorsements. “The Second Congressional District race will not be decided because a bunch of liberal Washington insiders, has-beens, and wannabes come to Alabama and endorse a candidate,” the spokesperson asserted, insisting that local support is key.
Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that Alabama’s congressional map likely contravened the Voting Rights Act by maintaining only one majority Black seat amidst a population where 27% are Black. In response, a panel of judges reshaped the district boundaries to empower Black residents, who now represent nearly 49% of the voting age demographic in District 2. The Cook Political Report has characterized the district as “likely Democrat,” though both campaigns emphasized that the contest remains competitive.
Both Figures and Holder noted that the legal challenges related to the district’s creation are ongoing. The district’s map was established after a court issued a temporary halt against the previous arrangement. A trial regarding the lawsuit is expected to commence in February.
Holder recounted the history of civil rights in Alabama, recalling how his sister-in-law, Vivian Malone, made headlines as she enrolled at the University of Alabama in 1963 amidst significant opposition from then-Governor George Wallace. He voiced concern over the resistance to redistricting by state officials, comparing it to past struggles from the 1960s. He expressed optimism that the new district boundaries would be validated after the upcoming legal proceedings. “Government officials here in Alabama should accept that, and I hope that they will,” he concluded.