Trump endorsed candidates win big in special Republican primary election

MONTGOMERY, Ala – Republican voters in four of Alabama's seven congressional districts went to the polls Tuesday to pick their nominees for the Congress for the November ballot and Trump endorsed candidates: Jerry Carl, Rhett Marques, and Gary Palmer were all big winners.

Alabama Gazette columnist former State Representative Perry O. Hooper Jr. told the Alabama Gazette, "The Trump endorsement is as strong as new rope!" after the convincing wins by Marques, Palmer, and Carl.

Aimee Akin won in CD7.

In Alabama's First Congressional District, former Congressman Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) won in a landslide. Carl received 75,7% of the vote (23,325 votes) easily besting his four opponents. Austin Sidwell came in in a distant second with 17.63% of the vote (5.505 votes). Lucas Burger had just 1.86% (580 votes) and John Mills got 5.81% (1,815 votes).

Carl will face Clyde Jones (D) in November.

State Representative Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) had the most experience, the most name recognition, the most money, and the Trump endorsement. Despite a flurry of negative reporting over the last week of the campaign, Marques easily bested his five GOP primary opponents winning 50.03% of the vote (16,411 votes). Hampton Harris came in second with 7,100 votes (21.65%). David Matthews finished third with 17.43% (5,716 votes). Christian Horn received just 2.92% (959 votes). Joshua McKee had 4.69% (1,537 votes) and James Richardson 3.29% (1,078 votes).

There were 32,801 votes cast in CD2 – the most in any of the four races.

Marques will face incumbent Congressman Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) in the November general election.

"It is imperative that we take back Congressional District 2, currently held by a liberal, anti -Trump Democrat Shamaria Figures," Hooper told the Gazette.

In Congressional District Six in cumbent Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) won a crushing victory with 87% of the vote (24,482) over Case Dixon's 13% (3,665).

Plamer will face Maurice Mercer (D) in November.

In Congressional District 7 teacher, principal, and charter school founder Ammie Akin received 73.37% of the vote (9,312) over David W. Perry with 26.63% (3,380).

Aiken will face incumbent Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-Selma) in November.

"Now it is time for all Alabama voters to help elect Rhett, Jerry, Gary and Ammie," Hooper said. "This election is the election that can help the Republican keep the majority so President Trump can finish the AMERICA FIRST Legislative agenda."

There were no changes in the borders of Congressional Districts 5, 3, and 4 thus there was no reason to hold special new primaries in those districts.

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