Hampton Harris Criticizes Rep. Shomari Figures for Vote Against Deporting Non‑Citizens Convicted of Public Benefits Fraud

March 19, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Congressional candidate Hampton Harris sharply criticized Congressman Shomari Figures this week for voting against H.R. 1958, the Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026-a bill designed to make non‑citizens convicted of defrauding the federal government or unlawfully receiving public benefits both inadmissible and deportable.

Harris, the Republican nominee in Alabama's 2nd Congressional District, argued that Figures' vote undermines the very people Democrats claim to champion: low‑income families, working households, and seniors who rely on public assistance programs.

"For years, Democrats have tried to brand themselves as the party of the poor and the working class," Harris said. "But when they had the opportunity to protect taxpayer‑funded benefits from fraud and abuse, Shomari Figures voted no. He chose party loyalty over the people he was elected to serve."

According to Harris, fraud in public benefits programs disproportionately harms the most vulnerable Americans. Every dollar lost to fraudulent claims, he said, is a dollar taken from families struggling to afford groceries, utilities, prescription medications, and other basic necessities. Seniors living on fixed incomes, he added, are especially at risk as the cost of living continues to rise.

"Low‑income households and seniors are already under enormous pressure," Harris said. "They are trying to survive in an economy where everything costs more and their paycheck does not go nearly as far as it used to. The last thing they need is for benefits meant to help them to be drained by fraud, abuse, and lawbreaking."

Harris also pointed to high‑profile fraud cases in Minnesota as evidence of the vulnerabilities within public assistance programs nationwide. He argued that the scandals there-where millions of dollars have been linked to fraudulent activity-should serve as a warning to lawmakers across the country.

"What happened in Minnesota should outrage every taxpayer in America," Harris said. "It shows exactly how vulnerable these public programs become when politicians refuse to get serious about fraud. Millions of dollars have already been tied to major fraud scandals there, and common sense tells us that may only be the tip of the iceberg."

With Alabama's 2nd Congressional District facing a poverty rate of 20.2 percent-well above the national average-Harris said Figures owes voters an explanation for his decision.

"Shomari Figures needs to explain why it was more important to vote the way he was told by fellow Democrats than to protect the people who elected him," Harris said. "Why would any member of Congress vote against deporting illegal aliens who commit fraud and take benefits from Americans who are genuinely in need?"

Harris further questioned whether Figures is more accountable to national political interests than to his constituents.

"Is this because his political survival depends more on insiders and national PAC money than on the people he represents, or even the state he represents?" Harris said. "Alabama families deserve a representative who puts them ahead of party bosses, PAC donors, and Washington insiders."

Harris framed the issue as one that transcends party politics, arguing that it reflects the broader priorities of elected officials.

"This is about whether government exists to protect the American people or protect a broken system," he said. "If Democrats truly cared about struggling families, they would be fighting to ensure public benefits go to the citizens and lawful residents they were intended to help, not defending a system that allows fraudsters and illegal aliens to steal from the poor."

About Hampton Harris:

Hampton Harris is the Republican nominee for U.S. Congress in Alabama's 2nd Congressional District. A lifelong Alabamian, military spouse, and community leader, Harris is committed to bringing Alabama values and common‑sense conservative leadership to Washington.