Thursday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced its endorsement of Senator Doug Jones’, D-Alabama, bid for reelection to the U.S. Senate.
The HRC said in a statement that Sen. Jones has been a steadfast ally for the LGBTQ community throughout his time in public service and his tenure in the U.S. Senate. In 2018, Jones signed on as a co-sponsor of the Equality Act, crucial federal legislation that would guarantee explicit, protections for LGBTQ people under our nation’s existing civil rights laws.
“Senator Doug Jones has been one of our community’s strongest advocates in the United States Senate, and we’re proud to stand by his side as he runs for reelection,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “As a co-sponsor of the Equality Act, Senator Jones’ demonstrated record of support for LGBTQ people and families stands in stark contrast with his opponents, who have long histories of using their power and offices to attack LGBTQ people at every opportunity. The Human Rights Campaign is committed to mobilizing the nearly 200,000 Equality Voters across Alabama to send Doug Jones back to the U.S. Senate to continue our work moving equality forward for all Americans.”
“I am grateful for Human Rights Campaign’s endorsement and for the work they do to champion equality for all,” said Sen. Doug Jones. “I have fought for the rights of all Alabamians and all Americans my entire career, and as Alabama’s U.S. Senator I will continue to stand against hate and discrimination and work for One Alabama.”
In the Alabama special election for U.S. Senate in 2017, HRC organized more than 20 GOTV events — including phone banks, canvasses, and community events in the closing weeks of the campaign. For two months, more than 160 HRC volunteers and 11 HRC staff worked to reach the nearly 200,000 “Equality Voters” across Alabama — a voting bloc comprised of not only the 100,000 LGBTQ voters in the state but also the thousands of additional allies HRC has identified statewide. HRC also partnered with allied civil rights organizations, including the NAACP of Alabama and others, to increase voter turnout.
Doug Jones narrowly defeated former Chief Justice Roy Moore (R) in the 2017 special election.
Jones is the only Democrat holding any statewide office in Alabama. The GOP is targeting his seat in November and there is a crowded field of Republican challengers seeking the GOP nomination in the March 3 Republican primary. Jones does not have a Democratic primary opponent.
Doug Jones is a former U.S. Attorney, a former aide to Sen. Howell Heflin, D-Alabama, and a longtime attorney in private practice. Jones grew up in Fairfield where his father was a steel worker and his grandfather was a coal miner. Jones lives in Mountain Brook.
