Trump-Backed Rhett Marques Wins GOP Primary In Alabama's Redrawn 2nd District
Rhett Marques was projected to have won the crowded Republican primary in Alabama's newly drawn 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, positioning him to challenge Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures.[1]
Marques secured endorsements from former President Donald Trump, House GOP leaders and Sen. Katie Britt as he emerged from a multi-candidate field.[1] The new congressional map, cleared by the Supreme Court for 2026, removed Mobile and one of Alabama's two majority-Black districts, a change that analysts say makes Rep. Figures' reelection more difficult.[1] The University of Virginia Center for Politics now rates the district's general-election contest as "likely Republican" under the new boundaries.[1]
The Associated Press projected Marques' victory after ballots were counted in the GOP primary.[1] Earlier coverage noted Alabama Republicans were set to pick a nominee to challenge Figures in the redrawn seat, and the primary drew a crowded field of GOP hopefuls.[2]
Marques will face incumbent Rep. Shomari Figures in the November general election under a map that many analysts say favors Republicans.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Associated Press projected that Rhett Marques won the crowded Republican primary in Alabama's newly drawn 2nd Congressional District.
- Rhett Marques emerged as the GOP nominee from a multi-candidate field after receiving endorsements from President Trump, House GOP leaders and Sen. Katie Britt.
- The new congressional map, cleared by the Supreme Court for 2026, eliminates one of Alabama's two majority-Black districts and removes Mobile from the 2nd District.
- Those redistricting changes are described as making Rep. Shomari Figures — the incumbent —'s reelection bid more difficult under the new boundaries.
- The University of Virginia Center for Politics now rates the 2nd District general-election race as 'likely Republican' following the new map.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Associated Press projected that Rhett Marques won the crowded Republican primary in Alabama's newly drawn 2nd Congressional District.
- The article notes that President Trump, House GOP leaders and Sen. Katie Britt endorsed Marques, and he emerged as the nominee from a multi-candidate field.
- It reiterates that the new congressional map, cleared by the Supreme Court for 2026, eliminates one of Alabama's two majority-Black districts and removes Mobile from the 2nd District, making Rep. Shomari Figures' reelection more difficult.
- The University of Virginia Center for Politics now rates the 2nd District general-election race as 'likely Republican' under the new boundaries.