Trump-backed candidate wins crowded GOP primary in Alabama's new 2nd District

Rhett Marques has secured a victory in the Republican primary for Alabama's newly drawn 2nd Congressional District, with projections from the Associated Press confirming his win. Marques, a candidate strongly endorsed by former President Donald Trump, will now face Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures in the general election.

The race is a key focus for Republicans seeking to flip the seat. The district's boundaries were redrawn after the Supreme Court affirmed that the previous map discriminated against Black voters. The new map, considered more favorable to Republicans, eliminates one of Alabama's two majority-Black seats and removes Mobile from the district, making it a more challenging landscape for Figures' reelection.

The University of Virginia's Center for Politics classifies the contest as 'likely Republican.' Marques' campaign has garnered significant support from prominent Republican figures, including House GOP leaders and Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, in addition to Trump's backing. This alignment suggests a concerted effort by the party to capture this seat.

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Trump-backed Rhett Marques won a crowded Republican primary in Alabama's newly drawn 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, the Associated Press projects.