State Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika) announced Thursday that he will run for Congress in the new District 2 instituted by federal judges earlier this year for the 2024 election.
Gray now joins State Rep. Napoleon Bracy (D-Prichard) and State Sen. Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery) as a contender for the Democratic nomination. Other legislators are also considering running for the office but are yet to announce.
After the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) demanded lawmakers create a new majority black or near-majority black congressional district, the Alabama Legislature produced a map in June during a special session, but the courts struck it down and chose a map of their own.
Several Republicans have objected to the new map. Attorney General Steve Marshall called the new map a "racial gerrymander." The Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) claimed the courts chose the map most favorable to Democrats.
Thus far, only one Republican has qualified in the new district. Montgomery attorney Caroleene Dobson announced her candidacy on Wednesday.
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), the representative of the current District 2, has decided to run against incumbent U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile).
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