Former Judge Everett Wess has won the Democratic Senate nomination in Alabama, securing the party's nod for the race to succeed Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor this year.
Wess defeated small business owner Dakarai Larriett in Tuesday's Democratic runoff election, according to the Associated Press. The two had finished first and second in a four-candidate primary last month, but neither surpassed 50% of the vote, triggering the runoff contest.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic leaders are framing Wess' nomination as an opportunity to compete in a state that has proven resistant to their candidates in federal races. The party points to former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones' surprise victory in the 2017 special election as evidence that targeted investment and favorable conditions can produce wins.
"Alabama Democrats remain committed to presenting voters with a choice," party officials said in a statement following Wess' victory. Supporters argue that Tuberville's departure from the Senate creates an open race that could attract more moderate Republican crossover voters.
Progressive groups have noted that economic messaging focused on kitchen-table issues may resonate in a state where many residents have struggled with rural hospital closures and infrastructure challenges. Democratic strategists acknowledge the long odds but say down-ballot enthusiasm could boost turnout in unexpected ways.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have quickly moved to characterize the general election matchup as an insurmountable challenge for Wess. The party notes that Barry Moore, who secured the GOP nomination by defeating former Navy SEAL sniper Jared Hudson in Tuesday's Republican runoff, carries the backing of President Donald Trump.
"Everett Wess faces a nearly impossible path in November," said a statement from the National Republican Senatorial Committee. "Alabama voters have consistently chosen Republican candidates in Senate races for three decades."
Moore's campaign has emphasized his alignment with Trump's agenda and his congressional voting record. Conservative commentators argue that Tuberville's decision to run for governor signals confidence in Moore's ability to hold the seat, noting that incumbents typically step aside when they fear their party might lose a seat.
GOP operatives say they expect the race to remain non-competitive but are monitoring for any unexpected Democratic investment in the state. Republican strategists argue that Wess' background as a former judge may not be enough to overcome the state's strong conservative bent.
What the Numbers Show
The historical data presents a stark picture for Democrats. Other than Doug Jones' 2017 victory over Roy Moore—a race shaped by extraordinary circumstances including sexual misconduct allegations against his opponent—Alabama has not elected a Democratic senator in more than 30 years.
Jones won the 2017 special election with 49.9% of the vote to Moore's 48.4%, a margin of roughly 20,000 votes. That remains the sole Democratic Senate win in Alabama since 1992, when former Sen. Donald Siegelman was elected.
Alabama has not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter's 1976 victory. The state's Cook Partisan Voting Index rating stands at R+25, making it one of the most reliably Republican states in federal elections.
Tuberville won his 2020 Senate race with 62% of the vote, defeating Democratic nominee Doug Jones by nearly 30 percentage points. That margin was typical of recent Alabama Senate contests.
The Bottom Line
Everett Wess will enter the general election as a significant underdog against Barry Moore in a state that has consistently backed Republican Senate candidates for three decades. Tuberville's decision to vacate the seat and run for governor creates an open race, though early polling and historical patterns strongly favor the Republican nominee.
The key variable Democrats are watching is whether national party investment could shift dynamics, as occurred briefly during Jones' 2017 victory. Republicans say they see no signs of comparable conditions developing this cycle.
Moore's Trump endorsement provides a clear electoral coalition heading into November. Wess must find a path that appeals to enough moderate and crossover voters to close a gap that has proven insurmountable for most Democratic candidates in Alabama's federal races.