Jeremy Gray Congressional Bid: Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika, threw his hat into the ring for the 2nd Congressional District race on Thursday, marking the third Democrat from the Legislature to join the fray.
First elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2018, Gray spotlighted key issues like dependable housing, childcare, and womens rights in a Facebook announcement.
He stated, “Its time for a new generation of leadership to bend the arc of justice. Because the American Dream should be a promise, not a privilege.”
In a video with donation requests, Gray highlighted his legislation allowing yoga exercises in Alabama schools, ending a nearly three-decade-long ban.
Gray, a business owner and personal trainer with a football background at North Carolina State University, played in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League.
A federal court recently approved new congressional maps, creating a 2nd Congressional District with a Black Voting Age Population of 48.7%. Given Alabamas voting patterns, the district is viewed as a potential Democratic pick-up.
Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, and Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, also declared their candidacy. Democrats Terrell Anderson, Phyllis Harvey-Hall, and Austin Vigue are in the race, alongside Republican candidate Attorney Caroleene Dobson.
House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, and Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, are considering entering the race. Former Sen. Dick Brewbaker of Pike Road, a Republican, is also contemplating a run.
The 2nd Congressional District encompasses Montgomery and the southern Black Belt.