Shomari Figures, candidate for Alabama’s newly-drawn 2nd Congressional District will address the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night from Chicago, Illinois, according to a news release from his campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris, now the party’s nominee for President, is expected to speak later that night.

DNC events begin today, with primetime speech performances scheduled Monday from President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, Tuesday from former President Barack Obama, Wednesday from former President Bill Clinton and Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz. On Thursday night, Harris will deliver her official party nomination acceptance speech.

“I am honored to be chosen to speak on behalf of Alabama and the voters of District 2,” Figures said in a news release. “Now is the time to energize our party, educate and organize our communities, and encourage people to vote on November 5th.” 

Figures’ inclusion on the official agenda of the party’s convention is noteworthy as both the DCCC and RNCC continue to converge in Alabama’s untested 2nd Congressional District. GOP challenger Caroleene Dobson recently said that her view of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee showed a party more unified than ever.

Figures, whose political trajectory took off after his position as a top campaign aid for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign turned into senior administrative positions across the Departments of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Justice. He most recently worked as Deputy Chief of Staff to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270