As the race for the Democrat primary in the newly redrawn second congressional district heats up, a poll released by State Rep. Napoleon Bracy, Jr. (D-Prichard) showed him with a slight lead over his opponents while many voters appear still undecided.
The poll was conducted by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) Action Fund and its affiliate, the New Southern Majority, from December 16-20 of 450 likely Democrat primary voters.
The poll showed Bracy leading with 15% of the vote, Shomari Figures with 9%, State Reps. Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) at 8% and Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham) at 6%, Darryl Sinkfield, who has dropped out of the race, at 5%, while State Reps. Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika) 4% and Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) 2%. A staggering 47% of voters remain undecided.
The poll also included several questions about potential candidates, and 80% of respondents said it would be a "total serious problem" if the candidate did not live in District 2, though that dropped to 55% if the candidate had lived in the Black Belt region sometime in the past.
1819 News contacted Bracy's campaign to ask if he lived in the new district but received no response.
"The message voters are sending is clear: they want a leader who puts people first," Bracy in a statement said. "I'm humbled by this early support and dedicated to continuing the fight for affordable healthcare, economic opportunity, and justice for all Alabamians. I look forward to meeting voters across the district over the next 69 days and sharing my vision for a brighter future."
The SPLC Action Fund and the New Southern Majority plan to host a candidate forum in Montgomery in January, offering voters a direct opportunity to engage with the candidates. The date, time, and location were not announced in the release and as of publishing neither Bracy's campaign nor the SPLC have responded to an email from 1819 News requesting details.
SEE ALSO: 21 candidates qualify for 2nd Congressional District
The newly formed second congressional district has drawn many eyes not just in Alabama but nationally as well, meaning voters can expect national money from both political sides to be involved in trying to win the seat in next year's battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Democrat and Republican primary elections will be March 5, 2024.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email Bradley.cox@1819news.com.
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