Manufacturing supports South Alabama businesses and is at the center of the Dobson Figures debate

Caroleene Dobson and Shomari Figures competed last night in the final debate for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, hosted by FOX 10 News in partnership with the Mobile Chamber.

Dobson argued that she is the true champion of manufacturing, pointing to the enormous number of manufacturing jobs that have left the state in just over two decades.

“I am running to improve the lives of Alabama families, and there is no doubt, and some of that is certain, that the manufacturing industry in this district has suffered over the last four years due to energy policies and increased inflation “that we have to have fair trade,” Dobson said. “Since 2001, Alabama has lost 42,000 manufacturing jobs, so we must ensure we have a level playing field for our manufacturers here in Alabama. We also have to recognize that here in Mobile, within a few miles of our current location, we have companies, Airbus, even Evonic, that rely on components from abroad. “So we need to make sure that what is good for this district is also good for the families in this district and fight for fair trade.”

Figures argued that the manufacturing industry’s difficulties were caused by the Trump administration.

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“This is one of those issues where we can specifically point to the previous administration,” he said. “The last four years have not done nearly as much damage to many businesses, particularly in manufacturing and industry, as the Trump tariffs.” These tariffs are hurting manufacturers. These tariffs led to inflation.”

Dobson disagreed.

“What is hurting manufacturing is the policies of the last four years that have led to skyrocketing inflation resulting from the reckless government spending policies that my opponent helped usher in when he was part of the Biden transition team that led the American energy destroyed.”

Dobson also praised her support from Manufacture Alabama, the state’s leading organization dedicated exclusively to the manufacturing industry and advocating for its employees.

“That’s why I was supported by Manufacture Alabama because they know I will get American energy back on track,” Dobson said. “I will reduce inflation by cutting reckless government spending and helping the manufacturing industry in this county.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten