Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl and former State Senator Bill Hightower have advanced to the Republican primary runoff on March 3. State Representative Chris Pringle finished in third for the open First District congressional seat.
“I’m extremely encouraged by tonight’s results – they show that the voters want a conservative with a backbone,” Carl said in a statement. “They want someone who is Trump-tough. They want someone who delivers and that’s exactly what I’ve done throughout my career. I’m ready to make my case in the runoff – I’m someone who isn’t afraid to stand with Trump to build the wall, protect our south Alabama values, and be a strong conservative who stands with the President.”
“My family and our entire campaign are incredibly grateful for the tremendous support we received this evening,” Sen. Hightower said. “Voters responded to our positive message of defending the unborn, protecting our liberties, and holding career politicians accountable, and they rewarded our campaign with spot in the Republican run-off election. Our message will not change. We will continue to fight for our Alabama values, and we will stand alongside President Trump and his agenda to Keep America Great.”
As of press time, Jerry Carl received 38,252 votes (39 percent). Bill Hightower received 37,018 votes (37 percent). They finished first and second. Chris Pringle just could never overcome his vote a year earlier in the Alabama House of Representative to raise fuel taxes. He receives 19,007 votes and have just 19 percent of the votes cast. Wes Lambert received 3,080 votes (3 percent), while John Castorani received 1,464 votes (1 percent).
The winner of the Republican primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the November General Election.
There will also be a Democratic Party runoff on March 31. Kiani Gardner will face James Averhart. Gardner received 22,887 votes (44 percent), Averhart 20,929 votes (40 percent), and Rick Collins 8,106 votes (16 percent).
Incumbent Congressman Bradley Byrne, R-Montrose, chose to run for the Senate seat currently held by Doug Jones rather than seeking another term in Congress. Byrne finished third behind former Auburn head football Coach Tommy Tuberville and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the Republican race for Senate.
Tommy Tuberville received 235,461 votes (32 percent), Jeff Sessions 227,492 votes (31 percent), Bradley Byrne 195,450 (27 percent), former Chief Justice Roy Moore 50,988 (7 percent). Ruth Page Nelson 7,221 (1 percent), State Representative Arnold Mooney 7,118 (1 percent), and Stanley Adair 6,660 (1 percent).
