Republican voters will see a crowded slate for Congressional District 1 on the May 19 primary ballot. However, the results will be nullified once the special election takes place in August. While some candidates for CD-1 plan to stay in the district, others will switch to CD-2.
State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) is also planning to move to CD-2. He said the SCOTUS decision was a victory for Alabama voters.
"Under the new maps, I am a candidate in District 2, and I am running hard to be the next Congressman from this district to deliver President Trump's agenda by supporting Senator Britt and the rest of the Alabama delegation in making life more affordable for hardworking Alabama families and fighting tirelessly for our Christian conservative values," Marques stated.
Joshua McKee announced he also plans to run for CD-2. McKee said the redistricting decision was a wake-up call for the nation. In his announcement, McKee criticized Marques for abstaining from a vote in the Alabama House to hold a special election due to a conflict of interest.
"Alabama doesn't need more weak-kneed career politicians or Indiana-style RINOs who abandon President Trump when the stakes are highest," McKee stated. "We need a warrior. That is why Joshua McKee is running for Congress in District 2. Unlike Rhett Marques, Joshua McKee is a fighter who will actually go to Washington to advance the America First agenda and protect our movement from those who seek to undermine it from within."
Hampton Harris, who was already a candidate for CD-2, said the SCOTUS decision was a huge win.
"When this district was drawn to favor Democrats and the path looked uphill, I was the only one willing to step up and challenge the incumbent," said Harris. "While others sat on the sidelines, I got to work knocking doors across District 2, listening to families, small business owners, farmers, and veterans, and fighting every day for the conservative values that built Alabama. That hard work did not depend on favorable maps, and it will not stop now that the lines have improved."
Jerry Carl has decided to stay in the race for CD-1. Carl also called the SCOTUS decision a victory for Alabama.
"I will continue to campaign on my conservative record, my resume, and my commitment to serving you in Washington to help pass President Donald Trump's America First agenda," Carl said.
Also staying in CD-1 is Austin Sidwell.
"Yesterday's ruling may have changed the map, but it didn't change my commitment to the people of District 1," Sidwell said. "Baldwin County is my home. I'm staying right here and continuing to fight for the conservative values, strong leadership, and common-sense solutions that matter to Alabama families. I'm not backing down, and I'm not going anywhere."
1819 News has reached out to Jimmy Dees, John Mills and James Richardson inquiring about their plans.
Candidates must qualify for the special primary election from May 20 through May 22, so more candidates can enter the race.
The special primary election will be on August 11 with no runoff. The general election is on November 3.
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