SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
In Montgomery, Alabama, the political show- down for the Democratic nomination in the state’s newly redrawn 2nd Congressional District intensified as the two leading Democrat candidates, Shomari Figures and Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, engaged in a televised debate on Alabama Public Television, “Capitol Journal.” The discussion revolved around a recurring theme in the race: residency.
From a pool of nearly 20 contenders, the field had narrowed to just four candidates, with Figures and Daniels emerging as the frontrunners. Figures, hailing from Mobile, secured 43.5% of the vote in the March 5 primary, while Daniels, representing Huntsville, garnered 22.4%. With neither candidate reaching the required 50% threshold, a runoff election is scheduled for April 16.
Residency became a focal point in the debate, with Figures under scrutiny for his recent relocation to Mobile after stepping down from a federal position in Washington, D.C. Daniels, on the other hand, faced criticism for residing in Huntsville, outside the district’s boundar- ies, despite claiming a residence in Montgomery.
During separate interviews, both candidates articulated their positions on the significance of residency.
Figures emphasized his roots in the district, stating, “There’s a stark difference in the geographical locations of the remaining candidates in the race; myself being in the district, from the district, raised in and living in the district,” He argued, “Voters care about that because they need to know that the candidate that they’re sending to Washington, D.C. is going to prioritize the cities and towns in this district and not have to worry about competing with resources going to other parts of the state.”
In response, Daniels defended his connection to the district, asserting, “I pay taxes in Alabama, I have a home here in Montgomery, (and) as Minority leader, I’m in Montgomery more than I’m in Huntsville.” He further emphasized, “So I think at the end of the day, the voters want someone that can deliver for the district, not someone who just moved to the district in October, registered to vote in the district on November 3, and is still paying taxes and owning a home outside of the district.”
Figures also faced questions about his acceptance of campaign contributions from outside groups, notably a $1.7 million donation from the cryptocurrency- backed Protect Progress PAC. Daniels raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, questioning Figures’ regulatory responsibilities and the timing of the contribution.
Despite the exchange of criticisms, both candidates reiterated their commitment to serving the district. Figures emphasized his dedication to relocating and living among the constituents, stating, “At the end of the day, it’s about being committed and dedicated to the voters of this district.” At the same time, Daniels underscored his track record of legislative accomplishments and his presence in Montgomery, saying, “I’ve been able to deliver to the community, and I don’t live in Washington, D.C., I don’t pay taxes in Washington, D.C., I pay taxes in Alabama.”
As the runoff election loomed, the debate underscored the two candidates’ contrasting approaches and the pivotal role residency played in shaping voter perceptions in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District.
