Full Breakdown
Barry Moore Wins Alabama Republican Senate Runoff, Securing Trump-Endorsed Path to U.S. Senate
6/17/2026, 6:38:32 AM
Runoff Outcome
Decision Desk HQ and NBC News projected Rep. Barry Moore (R-Ala.) as the winner of the June 4 runoff for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, with a 14-point lead over Navy SEAL Jared Hudson.
Background
The May 19 primary produced no majority winner, sending top finisher Moore (~40 %) and runner-up Hudson (~25 %) to a runoff after Sen. Tuberville entered the governor’s race.
Candidate Profiles
Moore, a House caucus member, has backed Trump since 2015 and promotes gun rights and “America First” policies. Hudson, a former Navy SEAL and nonprofit CEO, ran as an outsider.
Data & Statistics
Moore earned 40 % of the primary vote, Hudson 25 %. Polls gave Hudson a lead in two of three surveys, yet Moore won the runoff by ~14 points. A super PAC contributed “millions of dollars” to Moore’s campaign.
Official Statements & Responses
Donald Trump endorsed Moore, calling him “the best America First candidate you can imagine.” Moore’s victory remarks said he could “call [Trump]… and we can work together… to bring jobs back here.” Spokespeople said “Staff Sergeant” title came from coalition letter, Moore’s discharge rank was “cadet,” explained that Guard members wear combat boots for training.
Criticism & Opposition
An outside group supporting Hudson accused Moore of “stolen valor,” alleging he implied overseas combat experience. Moore dismissed the claim as a “garbage swamp tactic.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Campaign materials list Moore’s discharge rank as “cadet,” while a coalition letter described him as a “Staff Sergeant.” Polls show Hudson or Moore ahead, and no proof of combat service exists.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Barry Moore has my complete and total endorsement. He's the best America First candidate you can imagine,” — Donald Trump, Former President
- “When I call [Trump], he takes my calls, and we can work together with the senators, that delegation and certainly the president of the United States to make sure that Alabama has an opportunity to bring the jobs back here that we need,” — Barry Moore, U.S. Representative
- “If you want the same thing over and over again, elect a career politician. If you want different results, somebody who can take your issues to Washington and not bring the stupidity of Washington back here to you, send a warrior to Washington,” — Jared Hudson, Former Navy SEAL
- “On the one hand, the weight of the president’s endorsement has put Barry Moore where he is,” — Bill Armistead, Former Alabama Republican Party Chair
Implications & What’s Next
Moore’s runoff win underscores Donald Trump’s sway among Alabama Republicans and positions a Trump-aligned candidate for the November Senate race, preserving the chamber’s Republican majority. The contest also spotlights scrutiny of military credentials and the impact of outside financing.
