MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama voters headed to the polls Tuesday for a Republican primary runoff between U.S. Rep. Barry Moore and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson to determine the nominee for an open U.S. Senate seat, in a contest viewed as a test of President Donald Trump’s ongoing influence within the GOP.
Moore, a three-term congressman from Enterprise and one of Trump’s earliest supporters in Congress, advanced from the May 19 primary with about 38 percent of the vote. Hudson, a political newcomer who operates a tactical training business, placed second with roughly 26 percent, according to results certified after the initial vote.
Trump endorsed Moore in January and reaffirmed his support ahead of the runoff, calling him “a true America First Patriot.” Moore has highlighted his early backing of Trump and alignment with the president’s agenda on issues including border security, tax cuts and energy production.
Hudson has positioned himself as an outsider and “warrior for President Trump’s America First agenda,” while criticizing aspects of the political establishment. The two candidates have traded attacks on military service records and policy priorities in the final days before the vote.
The seat is being vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor. Alabama is a solidly Republican state, meaning the GOP nominee is heavily favored to win the November general election against the Democratic nominee, who will also be decided in a separate runoff Tuesday between Dakarai Larriett and Everett Wess.
Recent polling in the Republican race has shown a tight contest, with some surveys indicating a narrow edge for Hudson and others for Moore. Trump’s endorsements have had mixed success in past Alabama races, including a loss for his preferred candidate in a 2017 special Senate election.
“Having the relationship with the White House... will help me as a senator advocate for more economic development for the state,” Moore said during a recent candidate forum.
Voter turnout in runoffs is typically lower than in initial primaries. Both campaigns and outside groups have poured resources into get-out-the-vote efforts in the final stretch.
As polls remained open until 7 p.m. local time, results were not immediately available. State officials said they expected to release initial returns Tuesday evening. The winner will face the Democratic nominee in November in a state where Republicans hold both Senate seats.
