State Representative Rhett Marques, R-Enterprise, has received the endorsement of House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and 31 other Republican members of the Alabama House in his campaign for Congress in the state’s open 1st District seat.
The lawmakers announced their support this week, describing Marques as a reliable conservative with a record of advancing tax relief and economic policy at the state level.
“He has helped deliver over $1.5 billion in tax cuts to the people of Alabama, supported our state’s economy through key workforce development initiatives, bolstered public safety by supporting law enforcement and fighting illegal immigration, and much more,” said Ledbetter. “His record speaks for itself, and while I certainly hate to lose him in the State Legislature, he is the exact kind of leader Alabama’s First Congressional District needs in Washington, D.C.”
“I am honored to have the support of so many of the men and women that I have worked with in the legislature,” Marques said in a press release.
The endorsements add to earlier backing from U.S. Senator Katie Britt, whose Alabama First political action committee contributed the maximum amount allowed at $10,000 to Marques’ campaign. Both Britt and Marques are from Enterprise.
Marques, a lifelong Republican who represents House District 91, grew up in Baldwin County and has emphasized building what he calls a “Wiregrass-to-coast coalition” in the race. The 1st District includes Mobile, Baldwin County, the Gulf Coast and the Wiregrass region.
The field also includes former U.S. Representative Jerry Carl, who is seeking to return to Congress after losing to Representative Barry Moore following redistricting in 2024. Moore is now setting his sights on U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s open seat in the Senate as he runs for governor. Joshua McKee, a former U.S. Special Forces officer, is also running for Moore’s seat.
The Republican primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
