Former U.S. Representative Jerry Carl has picked up endorsements from two Alabama industry groups in his bid to return to Congress and represent Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Manufacture Alabama, the state’s leading business organization representing manufacturers and industrial employers, announced its endorsement of Carl on Tuesday, citing his record on economic development and support for Alabama’s manufacturing sector.
“Jerry Carl understands what it takes to grow Alabama’s economy and create jobs,” George Clark, president of Manufacture Alabama, said in a statement. “He has consistently supported policies that strengthen our manufacturing base, reduce burdensome regulations and promote economic opportunity across the state.”
Manufacture Alabama represents hundreds of manufacturers and businesses across the state and has been active in supporting candidates it views as pro-business and supportive of industrial growth.
Carl welcomed the endorsement and said he remains committed to advocating for policies that allow Alabama manufacturers to thrive.
“I am honored to have the support of Manufacture Alabama,” Carl said. “Manufacturing is the backbone of Alabama’s economy, and I will continue fighting for policies that encourage investment, create jobs and keep our state competitive.”
The endorsement comes days after the Electric Cooperatives of Alabama Political Action Committee announced its support for Carl’s campaign.
“Jerry has always been accessible, engaged and willing to fight for the issues that matter to rural Alabama,” Karl Rayborn, chief executive officer of the Alabama Rural Electric Association, said. “When our cooperatives needed help, he stepped up. He has been a strong advocate for the communities we serve, and we are proud to support his campaign for Congress.”
According to the Alabama Rural Electric Association, Carl worked closely with electric cooperatives during his time in Congress and played a key role in securing Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for Alabama’s electric cooperatives after Hurricane Sally, helping support recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“I am honored to be endorsed by the Electric Cooperatives of Alabama,” Carl said. “Our co-ops are cornerstones of the communities they serve, providing affordable energy and reinvesting back into those communities. I look forward to working with them to strengthen infrastructure and continue delivering reliable, affordable energy.”
Carl represented Alabama’s 1st Congressional District from 2021 to 2025 before losing the Republican primary to former U.S. Representative Barry Moore after congressional redistricting placed the two incumbents in the same district.
He is now seeking a return to Congress. The special election for Alabama’s 1st Congressional District is scheduled for August 11, 2026. The Republican nominee is widely expected to have an advantage in the heavily Republican district.
