Republican voters Tuesday went to the polls and elected Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl as the Republican nominee in the Nov. 3 general election.
“I’m am honored and humbled to represent south Alabama as the Republican candidate this November,” Carl said in a statement. “Thank you to my friends, family, volunteers, and team who worked tirelessly on this campaign. Our work is not over yet. I will fight hard to represent you in Congress. I will work with President Trump to put America first!”
Carl received roughly 52 percent of the vote, according to unofficial election results. His opponent, former State Sen. Bill Hightower, finished with 48 percent. Hightower issued a statement conceding the race to Carl.
“The first word that came to my mind this morning was thankful,” Hightower said. “I am thankful for my family’s support during this difficult year on the campaign trail. I am thankful for the tireless work of my campaign team as we navigated the uncertain public health circumstances. And I am thankful for the many supporters I knew before this campaign and the even more who I met along the way. While today’s results did not turn out as we all had hoped, it was your voices that kept me going during these long days. I congratulate my opponent, Commissioner Carl, on a hard won contest and I look forward to working to ensure President Trump is re-elected this November.”
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan issued a statement following Carl’s win in District 1.
“The voters of Congressional District 1 had two exceptional candidates to choose from in this runoff,” Lathan said. “Jerry Carl has worked hard for the people of Mobile County as a county commissioner. That background, combined with his business experience, will be a major asset to his constituents as he takes on Capitol Hill. Jerry has a strong reputation for listening to his constituents. His willingness to hear the voices of the people in his district will be a great asset for himself and south Alabama.”
“We are grateful for the service of Senator Bill Hightower,” Lathan said. “His strong conservative voting record has helped our state. We honor his service and recognize his dedication to Alabama. He is to be highly commended for running for this position.”
Carl will face Democrat James Averhart, who defeated Kiani Gardner in the Democratic primary runoff Tuesday. Averhart had 57 percent to Gardner’s 43 percent.
Incumbent Congressman Bradley Byrne endorsed Carl. Carl also had the most votes in the Republican primary on March 3.
