A Deeper Look At The 2nd Congressional District Candidates
Caroleene Dobson
Caroleene Dobson, the Republican candidate for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, places significant emphasis on national security, economic growth, and addressing immigration concerns. One of her key focuses is strengthening border security, which she believes is crucial
to curbing illegal immigration and reducing crime rates. Dobson frequently critiques the Biden-Harris administration’s policies, citing their impacts on Alabama’s economy, local safety, and national security. She argues that lax border controls contribute to increased crime, particularly pointing to fentanyl trafficking as a growing concern in the state, with more than
1,300 Alabamians dying from fentanyl overdoses last year alone. Additionally, she connects these issues to rising violence, pointing to cases involving illegal immigrants who had prior arrests but were released due to federal immigration policies.
Dobson advocates for more stringent economic policies aimed at curbing inflation and stimulating job creation within Alabama. She opposes large government spending packages, which she attributes to current economic instability, and is critical of the role Shomari Figures played as part of the Biden administration’s transition team, arguing that policies enacted during this period harmed local economies. Furthermore, she supports lowering taxes and promoting small business growth to foster local entrepreneurship. Her stance on national defense is also strong, with Dobson supporting policies that bolster military funding and readiness, ensuring that Alabama’s defense infrastructure is well-supported. She aligns herself with conservative viewpoints, endorsing traditional values and advocating for more conservative judicial appointments to safeguard constitutional principles.
Resources: https://ballotpedia.org/Caroleene_Dobson https://www.dobsonforcongress.com/
Shomari Figures
Shomari Figures, running as the Democratic candidate for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, has built his campaign on progressive values, focusing on healthcare, education, and civil rights. A former staffer under the Obama administration, Figures emphasizes the need for healthcare
reform, supporting the expansion of Medicaid and the protection of the Affordable Care Act. He is a vocal proponent of ensuring that all citizens, particularly those in underserved rural communities, have access to affordable and quality healthcare. Figures also focuses on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs, proposing policies that aim at reducing prices and improving healthcare infrastructure.
On the issue of education, Figures advocates for increasing federal funding for public schools, improving teacher salaries, and expanding access to higher education. He believes that a strong educational foundation is critical for Alabama’s future economic success and is a proponent of policies that increase access to financial aid and lower the cost of college education. He also supports increasing funding for vocational training programs to better prepare Alabama’s workforce for the modern economy. Regarding immigration, Figures takes a different stance from Dobson, arguing that while border security is important, the focus should be on creating a more humane and comprehensive immigration reform that provides pathways to citizenship for undocumented individuals. He downplays the notion that immigration is a major issue for the 2nd District, arguing that more pressing concerns include local economic development and addressing healthcare disparities. He believes in fostering an inclusive society where diverse communities can thrive.
In terms of civil rights, Figures supports policies that combat racial discrimination and protect voting rights, drawing on his experience advocating for marginalized groups. He is a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform, pushing for measures that address systemic inequalities in the legal system, and supports police reform efforts aimed at improving accountability while ensuring public safety. Together, these policy platforms reflect Figures’ progressive stance, rooted in social justice, equity, and
community development.
Resources: https://www.figuresforcongress.com/ https://ballotpedia.org/Shomari_Figures
https://bluewavemobile.org/resources
By: Brianna Britton, October 2, 2024