WASHINGTON — In a last-minute pitch to Alabama voters, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Rep. Barry Moore’s bid for U.S. Senate during a tele-rally Monday night.
Closing messages could prove pivotal in the battle for the open seat as three Republicans are neck and neck heading into Tuesday’s primary to fill Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s seat, who is running for governor.
Former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson and Attorney General Steve Marshall have trailed Moore in recent polls, but they are not far behind the Trump-endorsed candidate. Three other Republicans, Seth Burton, Dale Shelton Deas Jr. and Rodney Walker, are also vying for the nomination.
“He’s a true America First Patriot who’s been with me from the very beginning,” Trump said during the tele-rally.
Trump’s quick five-minute message focused on Moore’s initial endorsement of him in 2015 and described how the frontrunner has supported his agenda during his time in Congress.
“As your next senator, Barry will continue to fight tirelessly to grow our economy, promote made in the USA, something that’s so beautiful, and champion American energy dominance, keep our border secure, stop migrant crime, ensure law and order, protect our veterans, safeguard our elections, and defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump said.
In numerous ads, Moore’s campaign and outside groups have touted Trump’s endorsement since his announcement in January. But despite the president weighing in, a runoff in the state’s marquee race this year still looks likely. The final result could reveal the power of Trump’s endorsement in the state during his second term.
During the tele-rally, Trump also expressed his kinship with the deep-red state.
“I love you, and I think you love me based on the results we had – six, including primary, six wins, and no losses,” the president said, referring to the presidential elections. “We’re never going to have a loss in Alabama.”
Trump has a mixed record of endorsements in Alabama Republican Senate primary races. In 2017, he originally endorsed Sen. Luther Strange, who went on to be defeated by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore. In 2022, Trump endorsed then-Congressman Mo Brooks early in the race, but later rescinded that endorsement when Brooks fell behind in the polls and got behind eventual winner Katie Britt. Trump successfully endorsed Tommy Tuberville for Senate in 2020 and did not waver on the endorsement.
Moore heaped praise on Trump, calling him twice his “favorite president” and “one of the greatest of our lifetime” in his short remarks on the call.
The president also lauded Moore for voting for the massive Republican tax and spending law signed last year.
“He’s a fighter, and he’s a winner,” Trump said.
Though Hudson and Marshall didn’t receive the coveted presidential endorsement, both have expressed their strong support of the president throughout the campaign season as all the primary candidates try to promote their Republican bona fides.
Polls are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday.