Shomari Figures is the U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, elected in 2024 following a landmark Supreme Court decision that created a new majority-Black district. He comes from a storied civil rights family: his father, Michael Figures, was a state senator and civil rights attorney, and his mother, Vivian Davis Figures, continues to serve in the Alabama State Senate. Figures holds a law degree from the University of Alabama and has served in all three branches of federal government, including roles in the Obama White House, as legislative counsel in the U.S. Senate, and as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Justice. He is widely recognized for championing voting rights, social justice, and civil rights, with no major controversies reported.
Quick Facts:
Current Role: U.S. Representative, Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District
Previous roles: Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Justice; Legislative Counsel, U.S. Senate; White House Domestic Director of Presidential Personnel; Field Organizer for President Obama’s campaign; Law Clerk, Eastern District of Missouri
Education: University of Alabama (B.A.), University of Alabama School of Law (J.D.)
Background: Raised in Mobile, Alabama; son of Michael Figures (civil rights attorney, state senator) and Vivian Davis Figures (current Alabama State Senator); grew up in a family deeply involved in public service and civil rights
Career: Served in all three federal government branches; helped implement Affordable Care Act; involved in policy areas such as civil rights, education, labor, health, and justice; worked on Biden-Harris transition team
Political positions: Democrat; advocates for voting rights, environmental protections, equitable democracy, social justice, women’s rights, and educational opportunity
Legislative achievements: Elected as the first Black representative for Alabama’s new majority-Black district; contributed to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act; advanced policy on civil rights, workforce opportunities, and environmental protection
Controversies: None reported
