Winner Announced In Hotly-Contested GOP Primary

President Donald Trump scored another major political victory Tuesday night as Rep. Barry Moore cruised to victory in Alabama’s Republican Senate runoff, further cementing the president’s unmatched influence within the Republican Party.

Moore, a three-term congressman and longtime Trump ally, defeated former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson in a closely watched race to replace outgoing Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is leaving the Senate to pursue Alabama’s governorship this November.

The race was viewed nationally as another test of Trump’s political strength heading into the midterm election cycle. Despite media speculation and polling that suggested a potentially close contest, Moore ultimately delivered a decisive victory, defeating Hudson by 18 percentage points and reinforcing the power of a Trump endorsement in Republican politics.

Trump’s backed candidates have enjoyed an impressive track record throughout the 2026 election season, with voters repeatedly rallying behind candidates who embrace the president’s America First agenda.

Following his victory, Moore thanked supporters and highlighted the close working relationship he has built with President Trump over the years.

“When I call him, he takes my calls,” Moore told supporters after the race was called.

The congressman also urged Republicans not to take future elections for granted despite the party’s recent success.

“We’ve got the White House. We’ve got a delegation that’s pretty conservative, but it’s vitally important that we show up and vote,” Moore said.

Moore has long been one of Trump’s most loyal supporters in Congress. As a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, he was an early supporter of Trump’s first presidential campaign and has consistently backed the president’s policy priorities throughout both administrations.

Just days before the runoff election, Trump delivered a strong endorsement that many political observers believe helped propel Moore to victory.

“Barry Moore has my complete and total endorsement. He’s the best America First candidate you can imagine,” Trump said.

Hudson entered the race as a political outsider and attempted to capitalize on voter frustration with Washington. The former Navy SEAL forced Moore into a runoff after a strong showing in the initial primary election and campaigned heavily on his military service and lack of political experience.

Throughout the campaign, Hudson argued that Alabama needed a fresh voice in Washington and frequently contrasted his military background with Moore’s congressional tenure.

Leaning heavily on his service record, Hudson pledged to be “a warrior for President Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda.”

“If you want the same thing over and over again, elect a career politician. If you want different results, somebody who can take your issues to Washington and not bring the stupidity of Washington back here to you, send a warrior to Washington,” Hudson said during a candidate forum in May.

Despite Hudson’s energetic campaign, Moore successfully convinced Republican voters that proven conservative leadership and a demonstrated record of supporting Trump mattered more than outsider credentials alone.

Throughout the race, Moore pointed to his voting record and conservative ratings as evidence that he has consistently delivered for Alabama voters.

“Look at my record, the most conservative member in the Alabama delegation, an ally of the president,” Moore said. “The president has endorsed me because he’s seen me in the fire. I never bow down.”

For many Alabama Republicans, experience and results ultimately proved decisive.

“He’s the best qualified, I can tell you that — no question,” said Bob Marshall, 91, after casting his ballot for Moore in Pike Road outside Montgomery.

Hudson continued to highlight his military accomplishments throughout the campaign, often noting that while he lacked a legislative scorecard, he had accumulated an impressive combat record.

Hudson has quipped that he doesn’t have a legislative scorecard, but has racked up a high score “against the Taliban in over 60 combat operations.”

Some voters found that message compelling.

“I like the fact that he was willing to put his life on the line for our country,” said Julian Metheny, 70, who voted for Hudson in Shelby County.

With Tuesday’s victory, Moore advances to the general election as the clear favorite in a deeply Republican state. The result also adds to a growing list of Trump-endorsed candidates who have prevailed this year, underscoring the president’s continued dominance within the GOP and the enduring appeal of the America First movement among Republican voters.