Despite the Democrats' advantage, former State Sen. Dick Brewbaker (R-Montgomery) believes a Republican could win in Alabama's newly re-drawn second congressional district if they can get out the vote.
The District 2 seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise). However, the district was dramatically remade by a federal court recently and now may be more winnable for a Democratic candidate. Moore's hometown was moved into the first congressional district under the new map for 2024. Moore now faces District 1 U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) in the Republican primary.
In a Tuesday appearance on Montgomery radio's NewTalk 93.1's "News and Views" with Joey Clark, Brewbaker reported uncertainty among residents about what district they now live in, saying the new congressional map has created "a lot of voter confusion."
He also stressed the need for Republicans to hit the polls in greater force than their lackluster historical performance would portend.
Preliminary polling indicated that the new District 2 would be a shoo-in for whoever lands on the Democratic ticket for the general election in November. However, the combination of voter confusion and historically low turnout for GOP candidates has led Brewbaker to believe the GOP could win the seat if enough Republicans turn out to vote.
"This district is just a leaning [Democrat] district. I mean, the Republicans can certainly win it. But we're not going to win it with 30% turnout," he said. "The problem we have as conservatives is we talk a great game, but we don't vote. If you look at all the counties in the second district, they don't consistently turn out at above 30%. And we have got to change that. I mean, we don't have to let the Democrats take this country, but we do have to go vote."
Brewbaker expressed excitement at a presidential rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump on the November ballot since a Trump GOP ticket could thoroughly energize Republican voters enough to get to the polls and vote for the GOP nominee in the District 2 race.
"With Trump at the top of our ticket, and if conservatives get energized and go to the polls, the Republicans are going to win the second congressional district, and that Republican's going to be me, I hope," Brewbaker said.
"Trump at the top of the ticket energizes people, and that raises our voter turnout, and that's what this is all going to be about," he continued.
The 2024 primary election in Alabama is on March 5. The primary runoffs are on April 16. The general election will be held on November 5.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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