Shomari Figures Named Vice Ranking Member on Important Highways and Transit Subcommittee

January 24, 2025 - Washington, DC – Democratic leadership has announced that Congressman Shomari Figures (D-AL02) will serve as the Vice Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. This makes Figures the number two Democrat on the committee that will be at the center of addressing key infrastructure issues in Alabama, including securing funding for the critically important I-10 Bay Bridge project in Mobile.

"I am incredibly grateful to Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Congressman Rick Larsen for this opportunity to serve," said Figures in a statement. "Transportation infrastructure is essential not just for economic development but also for the safety, mobility, and overall advancement of our communities. Alabama has substantial infrastructure needs, and I am dedicated to advancing legislation that will bring the resources home to move our District and our State forward."

As the Vice Ranking Member, Rep. Figures will collaborate with fellow committee members to enhance highways and transit systems, ensure that infrastructure developments address the needs of all constituents, and secure federal funding for essential transportation projects. This subcommittee is vital in shaping national surface transportation policy, focusing on the construction and improvement of highway and transit facilities, regulating commercial motor vehicle operations, and managing related safety and research programs.

Alabama has a number of key transportation projects that they would like to get funded moving forward with the incredibly expensive I-10 Bay Bridge at the top of the list. There is also a push to widen portions of I-65. I-65 connects Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Huntsville running north and south through the middle of the state. Not only is it South Alabama's primary hurricane evacuation route it also connects the Port of Mobile with the rest of the state and country; while being the gateway for Alabama's beaches for millions of tourists each year. Funding the completion of the Northern Beltline in Jefferson County is also going to take federal dollars.

Figures is the newest member of the Alabama Congressional delegation. Congressional District two was redrawn by the federal court in order to give minority voters the ability to pick a second congressional member. After a heated primary battle Figures (a former Deputy Attorney General) emerged as the Democratic nominee. Figures went on to defeat Republican attorney Caroleene Dobson in the general election November 5. Figures' win was a bright spot for Democrats nationally who lost the presidency, control of the U.S. Senate, and failed to wrest control of the House of Representatives from Republicans.

Figures is the son of State Senator Vivian Figures and the last Senator Michael Figures.