Rhett Marques Launches Congressional Bid for Alabama's First District

August 23, 2025 - ENTOERPISE, AL -State Representative Rhett Marques has officially entered the race for Alabama's 1st Congressional District, pledging to bring his "Wiregrass-to-Coast" experience and conservative record to Washington. Marques, a Republican from Enterprise, announced his candidacy following Congressman Barry Moore's decision to seek the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tommy Tuberville.

"I'm a proven conservative fighter with a strong record of putting Alabama's families first and protecting our values. In Congress," said Rep. Marques in a statement, "I will be a strong champion for hardworking Alabamians to help President Trump advance his agenda and reverse four years of failed Biden economic policies. While President Trump was providing tax relief to Americans with the One Big Beautiful Bill, I was working on the state level in the Alabama legislature to slash the state taxes on groceries, eliminate the state tax on diapers and baby supplies that are critical for young families, and implement a substantial tax relief package for our seniors. That is the same commitment to helping Alabamians from the Wiregrass to the coast that I will take to DC to help President Trump pass bills that truly help working Americans."

Marques has served in the Alabama Legislature since 2018 in the district that Congressman Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) represented from 2010 to 2018.

From Baldwin County Roots to Wiregrass Leadership

Raised in Spanish Fort and a graduate of Fairhope High School, Marques now resides in Enterprise, where he and his wife Christina raised their family and operated a small business. His campaign highlights this dual connection to both the coastal and inland regions of District 1, which stretches from Baldwin and Mobile counties eastward through Covington and Coffee counties.

"I have a love for the First Congressional District that lies in my passion for and understanding of the Wiregrass region where I live today and for the coastal area where I was born and where my roots run deep," Marques said.

Legislative Record and Policy Focus

In the Alabama House, Marques has championed tax relief measures including:

• Cutting the state grocery tax

• Eliminating taxes on diapers and baby supplies

• Supporting senior tax relief packages

He has also positioned himself as a staunch supporter of Alabama's farmers, rural communities, and local Main Streets. His campaign promises to continue that advocacy in Congress, with a focus on economic development, family-centered policy, and support for President Trump's legislative agenda.

A Competitive Field Ahead

Marques will face former Congressman Jerry Carl in the Republican primary, scheduled for May 19, 2026. Carl, who previously represented District 1, is seeking a return to Washington after losing to Barry Moore in a redistricting-driven contest last cycle. With Moore now pursuing a Senate seat, the race for District 1 is wide open and expected to draw significant attention from both grassroots conservatives and national political groups.