Wednesday, Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl (R) was endorsed by GOP primary candidate Wes Lambert in his bid to represent Alabama’s First Congressional District. Carl and former State Senator Bill Hightower are the two candidates who advanced to the Republican primary runoff for Alabama’s 1st Congressional District on March 31.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to run for US Congress in AL-01,” Lambert said in a statement. “I am endorsing Jerry Carl for the AL-01 congressional seat. Jerry is a great person that I have gotten to know over the last year. Jerry is the most qualified candidate to continue to take care of our district and continue to lead us into the great future that is in store for south Alabama. I want to thank Jerry and I look forward to working with him and his team.”
“I am humbled to earn the public support of Wes Lambert in my campaign for Congress,” said Carl. “Wes and I have gotten to know each other well on the campaign trail over the course of the past few months, and I am grateful to have his support during the run-off election. While outside interests intend to buy this election and spend special-interest money picking their preferred candidate, I am the only candidate who isn’t afraid to stand with Trump to build the wall, protect our south Alabama values, and be a strong conservative who stands with the President.”
In the preliminary results, Jerry Carl received 38,252 votes (39 percent). Bill Hightower received 37,018 votes (37 percent). They finished first and second. State Representative Chris Pringle received 19,007 votes (19 percent). Wes Lambert received 3,080 votes (3 percent). John Castorani received 1,464 votes (1 percent).
“They want someone who is Trump-tough,” Carl said following the primary. “They want someone who delivers and that’s exactly what I’ve done throughout my career. I’m ready to make my case in the runoff – I’m someone who isn’t afraid to stand with Trump to build the wall, protect our south Alabama values, and be a strong conservative who stands with the President.”
The winner of the Republican primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the November general election.
There will also be a Democratic Party runoff on March 31, where Kiani Gardne faces James Averhart. Gardner received 22,887 votes (44 percent), Averhart 20,929 votes (40 percent), and Rick Collins 8,106 votes (16 percent).
Incumbent Congressman Bradley Byrne, R-Montrose, chose to run for the Senate seat currently held by Doug Jones rather than seeking another term in Congress. Byrne finished third behind former Auburn head football Coach Tommy Tuberville and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the Republican race for Senate.
Crossover voting is illegal in Alabama. If you voted in the Democratic primary you can not vote in the Republican primary runoff. If you voted in the Republican primary you can not vote in the Democratic primary runoff.
