Trump-Backed Candidate Wins Alabama Senate Runoff

President Donald Trump’s influence continues to be felt in Alabama’s politics. Although not on the ballot himself, Trump’s endorsement played a pivotal role in the Republican Senate runoff election.

Rep. Barry Moore, endorsed by Trump, emerged victorious against Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL sniper. The Associated Press reported Moore’s win at Tuesday’s GOP nomination in the conservative state of Alabama.

In the initial Republican primary, neither Moore nor Hudson secured over 50% of the vote, necessitating a runoff between the two leading candidates.

Moore, also supported by Vice President JD Vance and Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune, now gains the spotlight as the frontrunner in the race to follow Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville. Tuberville has opted to run for governor rather than seek another Senate term.

“GOP Rep. Barry Moore of Alabama leads in the race for the U.S. Senate in 2026.”

Moore, who founded a waste management company, has a political background that includes service as a state lawmaker before his 2020 election to the U.S. House. He was among the first to endorse Trump in his 2015 presidential campaign.

Meanwhile, Hudson, portrayed himself as an outsider. He edged out state Attorney General Steve Marshall for a spot in the runoff. Hudson is a seasoned combat veteran, sheriff’s deputy, and firefighter. He also runs a nonprofit focused on training law enforcement to combat human trafficking.

Endorsements for Hudson included former Sen. Markwayne Mullin, now Secretary of Homeland Security, Sen. Tim Sheehy, and the National Association for Gun Rights PAC.

Despite this backing, Hudson was unable to surpass Moore, who will compete in the November elections against either Dakarai Larriett, a business owner, or Everett Wess, a former judge and attorney.