FOLEY — Former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) officially announced his run to replace U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) following Moore's announcement to run for Senate on Monday.
Carl said he made the decision 60 days ago because he loves serving people and feels he still has a job to do in Washington, D.C.
"We looked at the [Mobile] mayor's race. That just didn't fit my personality and the way I do things," said Carl. "I understand Washington – sometimes too well – but I understand Washington, and I feel like that's where I can serve and be the best."
As candidates vie for an endorsement from President Donald Trump, Carl is hopeful.
"Will we? Sure," Carl said. "He's endorsed me twice already in two other races. He knows me, I know him. He knows a lot of people, hopefully, who can jar his memory, but we'll try to get it, along with everyone else, but we can't bank on that."
Since his 2024 loss to Moore, Carl said he has learned a lot about how he can improve as a congressman.
"What I learned, watching news and watching coverage of what's going on on the floor, I watched how some members just made silly fools of themselves. I learned not to do that," said Carl. "I learned what the district actually needs from me, which is better communication. That's something I've got to work on myself."
While he has supporters in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, Carl said he also wants to focus on the Wiregrass area. With his experience in business and government, he has plans to bring more opportunities to that area.
Carl said he wants the people to get his message and views during the campaign.
"I don't want another negative campaign," he said. "I want people to understand who I am and what I'm about. I don't want to spend my time trying to run somebody else down. I think that's probably the worst thing we did in this last campaign. We're going to stay as positive as we can and focus on what our strengths are – focus on who we are."
Carl served in Alabama's first congressional district from 2021 to 2024. The district has since been redrawn to ensure a second black majority congressional district in Alabama.
The primary election is May 19, 2026, and the general election is November 3, 2026.
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