Rep. Barry Moore has won the Republican primary runoff in the Alabama Senate race, according to projections by NBC News. This victory positions him as a strong contender for the general election to succeed Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor. Moore, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, defeated former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson after neither candidate secured over 50% of the vote in the initial primary held on May 19.
The Senate seat became available following Tuberville's decision to pursue the governorship. In his victory speech, Moore highlighted his relationship with Trump, stating, "When I call [Trump], he takes my calls," and emphasized collaboration with senators and the president to create job opportunities in Alabama. Trump had previously held a tele-rally for Moore and reaffirmed his endorsement on social media, describing Moore as an "America First Patriot."
Moore, who has been a member of Congress since 2020, has advocated against transgender women participating in women’s sports and has positioned himself as a pro-gun advocate. Hudson, who has experience in law enforcement and child trafficking prevention, portrayed himself as a political outsider and supporter of Trump’s agenda.
The runoff campaign included negative tactics, with accusations from an outside group aligned with Hudson claiming Moore had misrepresented his military service. Moore's campaign responded by clarifying his military rank and service details, stating he was honorably discharged and never claimed a higher rank than he held. Moore also addressed concerns regarding a past advertisement where he mentioned wearing combat boots, clarifying that he did not serve in combat but trained in the National Guard.