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State Senator Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham) declared candidacy for Alabama’s revised 2nd Congressional District Friday. If elected, the Pleasant Grove resident will fill the spot vacated by Congressman Barry Moore, the Republican whose hometown of Enterprise, moved to District One when the U.S. Supreme Court selected the new map. 

In a Nov. 10 media release, Coleman, who currently represents Alabama District 19, said her lawmaking experience, which spans over two decades, makes her a solid candidate for the seat.

“Today, I proudly announce my candidacy for the United States Congress,” Coleman said. “Throughout my years of service, I’ve witnessed the power of unity, the strength in diversity, and the resilience of the human spirit. As we embark on this journey together, let’s amplify our shared values, break barriers, and build a future where every Alabamian’s voice is not just heard but celebrated. Together, let’s write a new chapter of progress, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the ideals that make our nation great.” 

Coleman is among 21 candidates – 13 Democrats and eight Republicans – who qualified for the spot.

Democratic in the race are James Averhart; Rep. Napoleon Bracy Jr. of Mobile; Rep. Anthony Daniels of Huntsville; former Justice Department official Shomari Figures; Rep. Jeremy Gray of Opelika; Phyllis Harvey-Hall; Willie J. Lenard; Larry Darnell Simpson; businessman Vimal Patel of Dothan, Sen. Merika Coleman of Pleasant Grove, and Rep. Juandalynn Givan of Birmingham, Brian Gary, and Darryl “Sink” Sinkfield.

The Republicans who qualified are Sen. Greg Albritton of Atmore; former Sen. Dick Brewbaker of Montgomery; attorney Caroleene Dobson of Montgomery; Karla M. DuPriest, Hampton S. Harris, Newton City Councilwoman Belinda Thomas, Stacey T. Shepperson, and former Alabama and NFL defensive end Wallace Gilberry.

Coleman, elected to the Alabama Senate in Nov. 2022, spent 20 years in the Alabama House of Representatives holding leadership roles, including Assistant Minority Leader, becoming the first person ever to serve in this capacity. She also served on seven Senate Standing Committees, including the Ways and Means Committee responsible for developing the budget for all Alabama State Departments.

Moore announced his intention to run for the District One seat in late October and will challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile). While the Congressman who currently represented the district which includes Butler and Dallas counties has remained largely quiet about his move to District One on social media, he did tell media outlets that after much prayer, he would select election again.

“The new AL-01 needs an effective conservative fighter who is willing to take on the swamp and put people over politics,” said Moore in a press release. “I’ve proven that as a House Freedom Caucus Member and the most effective Republican Congressman from Alabama during my first term, that you can be effective and conservative at the same time.”