The Alabama Grocers Association endorsed 2nd Congressional District Republican candidate Rhett Marques on Tuesday.
Marques is seeking the Republican nomination for the district in an effort to unseat freshman U.S. Representative Shomari Figures, D-Alabama.
AGA, a nonprofit that has represented Alabama’s grocery industry since 1990, cited Marques’ conservative record and support for Alabama’s grocery tax reduction in its endorsement.
“As a small business owner and proven conservative leader, Rhett understands the challenges facing Alabama businesses and families,” AGA wrote. “He helped cut the grocery tax in half, eliminated the state sales tax on diapers and baby supplies, and has worked to make life more affordable for hardworking Alabamians.”
Alabama’s grocery tax was reduced from 4 percent to 3 percent in 2023 through legislation sponsored by state Representative Danny Garrett, R-Tuscaloosa. The tax was reduced by an additional percentage point in 2025 through legislation also led by Garrett. The tax was temporarily halted from May 1 to June 30 through a 2026 bill sponsored by state Representative James Lomax, R-Huntsville.
Legislation sponsored by state Representative Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, that eliminated the state’s sales tax on baby supplies was passed and enacted in 2025.
A resolution adopted during the 2026 Legislative Session commended Marques for his support of more than $1.5 million in tax relief during his tenure in the House, including the grocery and baby supply tax bills.
“We are proud to support Rhett and encourage voters to make their voices heard in the Special Primary Election on Tuesday, August 11,” AGA wrote.
Marques celebrated AGA’s endorsement in a Tuesday statement released on social media, highlighting his support for the grocery tax reduction during his time in the House.
“Every day, our grocers see families count every dollar at the checkout counter. I was proud to cut the grocery tax in half, and I’ll keep fighting to cut costs, slash regulations, and make life more affordable for Alabama families and the small businesses they rely on,” Marques wrote.
Marques faces a crowded field of candidates seeking the 2nd Congressional District Republican nomination, including Hampton Harris, Christian Horn, David Matthews, Joshua McKee and James Richardson.
Previous endorsements of the Marques campaign include U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Katie Britt, R-Alabama, Electric Cooperatives of Alabama and the Home Builders Association of Alabama.
