Albritton to run for Congress in Alabamaâs new 2nd District
State Sen. Greg Albritton of Atmore is running for the Republican nomination for Congress in Alabama’s redrawn 2nd District.
Albritton is a retired Navy officer who was elected to the Senate in 2014 and is in his third term. He is chairman of the General Fund budget committee, one of the most important positions in the Senate.
Qualifying for the race ends Friday. Attorney Caroleene Dobson of Montgomery is the only candidate to qualify so far with the state Republican Party.
On the Democratic side, state Rep. Jeremy Gray of Opelika and Willie J. Lenard have qualified. Other Democrats have announced they are running. They are state Rep. Napoleon Bracy Jr., of Prichard, state Sen. Kirk Hatcher of Montgomery, and Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson.
The primary is March 5.
District 2 changed on a map approved by a federal court that ruled Alabama’s previous map likely violated the Voting Rights Act by diminishing the influence of Black voters.
The new District 2 extends across south Alabama from Russell and Barbour counties on the Georgia line to Washington County and the northwest portion of Mobile County on the Mississippi line.
Albritton’s home in Atmore is in District 1. He moved to Atmore after his previous home in Range in Conecuh County was drawn out of his state Senate district. Albritton said he would move back to the Conecuh County residence if he wins the congressional race.
Albritton, 71, said south Alabama is at a crossroads and that he is the right representative to advance the area’s interests.
“Since I was in Mobile and in the Navy, I’ve lived in the current borders of CD2 for the last thirty-some odd years,” Albritton said. “So, I know the district. I know what the problems are. I know what the challenges are.”
Albritton’s military career started when he enlisted in the Air Force in 1973. He served on cruisers and destroyers in the Navy. His last active post was as commanding officer of the Naval Marine Corps Reserve Center in Mobile. He retired from the Navy in 2005.
Albritton was an attorney but closed his practice in 2016 because of his legislative responsibilities.
The redrawn 2nd District has a voting age population that is 49% Black, up from 30% on the old map. An analysis prepared as part of the lawsuit that led to the new map found that the new district will favor Democratic candidates.
Albritton said he was not in favor of changing the district and acknowledged the changes are a factor in the race. But he said he intends to overcome that.
“It takes work to do,” Albritton said. “That’s what I think I’m fairly good at. And I intend to work this sucker as hard as I need to to get the votes I need. And I think I can.”
Alabama Daily News previously reported on Albritton’s decision.
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