SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
In the upcoming runoff election for Alabama’s recently redrawn second congressional district, the Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC) has endorsed Shomari Figures, tipping the scales against incumbent House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville).
Figures, who edged ahead of Daniels in the Democratic primary earlier this month, failed to secure a sufficient margin in the loaded field, necessitating a runoff. Following a meeting of the ADC Executive Committee on Monday, the Conference formally announced its endorsement of Figures.
ADC chairman Joe Reed expressed satisfaction with the participation and debate among ADC County Delegates, emphasizing the importance of unity for success in the November General Election. Reed proclaimed, “Our success over the years has been ‘Political Strength through Unity,’ and our people recognize that a house divided cannot stand.” He further rallied support for Figures, envisioning the possibility of electing a second Black Congressman for the district as a “2024 Christmas Present.”
In a letter addressed to Alabama Democratic Party chairman Randy Kelly, Reed cited reports alleging substantial donations totaling 1.7 million dollars to Shomari Figures from the conservative group Protect Progress. He further highlighted Anthony Daniels’ receipt of significant financial support from various Republians, many of whom reside in Alabama.
Reed asserted the undeniable credibility of these claims, as the candidates disclosed them in their financial reports. He condemned any attempts to manipulate the electoral process, stating, “The Democratic Party should not stand idly by and let the crooks, thugs, and thieves steal the election from us.” Reed emphasized the mandate of the United States Supreme Court, which directed Alabama’s Legislature to redraw a district enabling Black representation, not to facilitate the purchase or manipulation of elections by Republicans or exploitation by Black candidates.
Despite this earlier criticism, Figures now enjoys the backing of the ADC, which was previously aligned with then-candidate Napoleon Bracy.
The District 2 seat, currently held by U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), underwent significant changes in redistricting, potentially rendering it more favorable for a Democratic candidate. With Moore’s hometown now in the first congressional district, District 2 stretches across Mobile, Washington County, and reaches the Alabama-Georgia border.
In response to Reed’s efforts to remove him from the primary ballot, Figures has pushed back, denouncing Reed’s claims as false and politically motivated. Figures asserted that his campaign had not received funds from the alleged source cited by Reed and criticized Reed’s alignment with specific candidates.
Figures emphasized his dedication to Democratic values and highlighted his experience working with prominent Democratic figures. He vows to champion the party’s priorities in Congress.
With the Republican and Democratic primaries scheduled for Tuesday, April 16th, the showdown between Figures and Daniels in the runoff election promises to be closely watched as a pivotal moment in Alabama’s political landscape.
