Congressman Barry Moore (R-Ala.) defeated Congressman Jerry Kahl (R-Ala.) in Alabama’s controversial Republican primary.
The unusual incumbent-versus-incumbent primary came after a lengthy legal battle after a federal court ruled that the state’s legislative map did not comply with the Voting Rights Act. Ultimately, the court created a new map that gave the ruby-red state a second minority-majority district.
Barry Moore, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, drew the short option of redistricting the conservative 2nd District to give Democrats an advantage. His hometown was drawn into Alabama’s 1st District, so he will be challenging Karl, who is serving his second term as the district’s representative.
But Moore was seen as the more conservative candidate and won in a redistricting district currently rated the sixth most Republican in the nation.
Kahl conceded hours after polls closed by a few thousand votes in a race in which just over 100,000 people turned out to vote.
The election campaign became heated as the battle between both sides intensified in the run-up to voting day. Both candidates touted their support for President Donald Trump, but Trump did not endorse him during the campaign.
Moore touted support from prominent conservatives such as House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). Both men traveled to south Alabama to campaign for Moore.
Mr. Kahl benefited from establishment figures such as Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and fellow Alabama native Mike Rogers (R-La.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. cut a check for the campaign.
Thanks guys! 🙌 Thank you for your support and prayers. We couldn’t do it without you! 🇺🇸 God is good! 🙌 #CD1 #alpolitics @mtgreenee @real pic.twitter.com/zzdgw63ui8
— Barry Moore Congress (@BMooreCongress) March 6, 2024
Both candidates benefited from third parties, but most of the scrutiny of external spending involved the Club for Growth. Mr Moore had benefited from significant club spending in previous races, but abandoned club funding early in the campaign.
Still, the School Freedom Fund, affiliated with the club, helped him by spending $139,000 supporting Moore and $422,000 against Karl. according to For roll call.
In the heavily Republican district, Moore is expected to succumb in November.
Bradley Jay is Breitbart News’ Capitol Hill correspondent. Follow him on X/Twitter. @BradleyAJay.
