Former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), who is currently seeking to reclaim his seat in November, recently accepted support from U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), despite her previous endorsement of his former Republican opponent.
Carl was initially up against State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) and others in the race for Congressional District 1 until a federal redistricting shakeup moved Marques into the race for Congressional District 2.
Both are heading to a special election, to be held on August 11, to fill their respective seats.
While still in the running for CD-1, Marques secured a significant endorsement from Britt. However, with Marques now vying for the CD-2 spot, Britt is publicly supporting Carl in his bid.
On a Monday appearance on FM Talk 1065's "The Jeff Poor Show," Carl expressed no qualms about accepting Britt's support after the race shakeup, stating, "It happens in races."
"Katie called me about three weeks ago and said, 'Hey, you and Rhett are separated now. I want to help you where I can.' You know, Rhett was her neighbor. I don't know if you knew that, but that was her neighbor over in Enterprise growing up," Carl said. "But she supported him, and you know it happens in races. But she said, 'I want to help you. How can I help you?'"
Britt has yet to officially endorse Carl. However, Carl's campaign boasted of a $10,000 donation from Britt. Afterward, Britt stated on social media that she was "happy to support" Carl.
"She sent us the money, and, you know, we've got conversations going on, especially between staff, which is a good thing," Carl continued. "You know, we have to work together. I can think of a couple of congressmen that I don't care necessarily for outside the state, but you still have to work with them. You still have to sit down, and you still have to negotiate."
"I mean, I've always had a relationship with Katie and her family. I know her mom and dad very, very well. So it's easy for me to work with her," he added.
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