Sen. Merika Coleman to run in 2nd Congressional District

Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, will run for the 2nd Congressional District, the latest legislator to enter the contest.

Coleman, an attorney by trade, said in a statement that she aimed to “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,” the statement said.

Coleman was elected to the Alabama Senate last year. She served in the Alabama House from 2002 to 2022, rising to the level of Assistant Minority Leader. While in the House, Coleman sponsored constitutional amendments to remove racist language from the Alabama Constitution. State voters approved the measure last year with nearly 77% of the vote. Coleman also worked on legislation for sex abuse survivors and against human trafficking.

Qualifying for the seat will end at 5 p.m. on Friday. As of early Friday afternoon, 10 Democrats had qualified for the seat, including Reps. Napoleon Bracy of Prichard; Jeremy Gray of Opelika; and Shomari Figures, a former deputy chief of staff for the U.S. attorney general and the son of Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile. Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, also said she plans to run for the seat.

Republicans in the race include Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore; former Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Pike Road and attorney Caroleene Dobson.

The primaries for the seat will take place in March.