Shomari Figures

Shomari Figures is an American politician and attorney currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Alabama's 2nd congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he has held this office since January 3, 2025, following his election in 2024. Figures has a background in law and public service, having worked in various capacities within the federal government prior to his congressional tenure.

Early life and career

Shomari Coleman Figures was born on September 3, 1985, in Mobile, Alabama. He comes from a family with a strong legacy in civil rights and public service. His father, Michael Figures, was a civil rights attorney and served in the Alabama Senate, while his mother, Vivian Davis Figures, succeeded him in the Senate after his passing. This familial background has significantly influenced Figures' commitment to public service and advocacy for civil rights.

Figures completed his high school education at LeFlore Magnet High School in Mobile. He pursued higher education at the University of Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice and history in 2006. Following his undergraduate studies, he attended the University of Alabama School of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 2010. After graduating from law school, Figures began his legal career as a law clerk for Nannette A. Baker in the Eastern District of Missouri.

Figures' political career began to take shape during the 2012 presidential election when he served as a field organizer for Barack Obama's reelection campaign in Akron, Ohio. His involvement in the Obama administration continued as he took on the role of domestic director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office. He also served as the White House liaison to Loretta Lynch, who was the Attorney General of the United States at the time. Following this, Figures became legislative counsel for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and played a role in the presidential transition of Joe Biden. Most recently, he served as deputy chief of staff for Merrick Garland during his tenure as Attorney General until his resignation in October 2023.

House tenure

Figures entered the political arena as a candidate for Alabama's 2nd congressional district following a significant Supreme Court ruling in the case of Allen v. Milligan. The Court determined that Alabama's previous congressional map violated the Voting Rights Amendment, necessitating the redrawing of district lines to create an additional majority-black district. This ruling set the stage for Figures' candidacy, as the new map included a significant portion of Mobile and Montgomery, areas that had not been represented by a Democrat for several decades.

In November 2023, Figures announced his intention to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2024 elections. He emerged as a leading candidate in the Democratic primary, securing 44% of the vote in a competitive field of 11 candidates. This result advanced him to a runoff election against Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, which took place in mid-April 2024. Figures received substantial financial backing from cryptocurrency political action committees during his campaign, which played a role in his electoral strategy. He later advocated for the Democratic National Committee to adopt more favorable policies regarding cryptocurrency and digital assets.

Figures won the runoff election against Daniels with a decisive 61% of the vote. He subsequently addressed the 2024 Democratic National Convention, further solidifying his position within the party. In the general election, Figures faced Republican candidate Caroleene Dobson, ultimately winning the seat and being sworn into office on January 3, 2025. His election marked a significant moment in Alabama's political landscape, as he became the first Democrat to represent a substantial portion of Mobile since 1963 and only the fourth to represent a significant portion of Montgomery in that time.

Legislative focus and committees

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Figures has been assigned to several committees that align with his interests and the needs of his constituents. For the 119th Congress, he serves on the Committee on Agriculture, where he is involved in subcommittees focused on commodity markets, digital assets, rural development, nutrition, and foreign agriculture. Additionally, he is a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, participating in subcommittees that address economic development, public buildings, emergency management, highways, transit, and water resources.

Figures has demonstrated a commitment to rural funding, exemplified by his support for the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025. This legislation aims to extend federal payments to rural counties, providing essential funding for schools, roads, and local services. His vote in favor of this act, which passed overwhelmingly in the House, reflects his focus on supporting rural communities and ensuring they receive necessary resources.

In summary, Shomari Figures is a prominent figure in Alabama politics, with a background rooted in civil rights and public service. His tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives is characterized by a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents, particularly in rural areas, and advocating for policies that promote economic development and social equity. As he continues his service, Figures remains an influential voice in the ongoing discussions surrounding critical issues facing Alabama and the nation.