The upcoming U.S. Senate swearing‑in on January 3, 2027 will bring a new junior senator from Alabama. Incumbent Senator Tommy Tuberville announced he will run for governor, opening the seat to a competitive race.
Republican Front‑Runner: Barry Moore
Barry Moore, the current U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 1st Congressional District, is the leading Republican candidate. A native of Enterprise and owner of a waste‑and‑hauling business, Moore earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from Auburn University in 1992. He describes himself as a “true Trump conservative” and has a record of conservative voting in both the Alabama House (2010‑2018) and the U.S. House since 2021.
Moore won the Republican runoff this spring with 55.8% of the vote, defeating businessman Jared Hudson. He secured the Senate nomination by beating a large field that included Attorney General Steve Marshall. On his campaign website, Moore says he is running to continue his loyalty to President Trump, defend conservative values, and act on what he calls a direct mandate from Alabama voters. He also emphasizes a zero‑tolerance stance on illegal immigration and supports emerging technologies such as AI and cryptocurrency.
Democratic Challenger: Everett Wess
Everett Wess, a 63‑year‑old former Midfield Municipal Court judge and managing partner of The Wess Law Firm in Irondale, is the Democratic nominee. A Mississippi native and graduate of Alabama A&M and Birmingham Law School, Wess ran on a platform of voting rights, equal justice, reproductive freedom, affordable health care, public education, and economic opportunity.
Wess’s campaign message stresses loyalty to Alabamians and their families, promising to put “your families and your children” first. He has a long history of local political involvement, though he has not won elected office after several attempts at municipal and circuit court positions.
Polls Show Stable Republican Lead
Recent polling consistently shows Moore ahead. Alabama Daily News and Gray Television (Oct. 17, 2026) reported Moore at 50% versus Wess at 35%. Cygnal (Oct. 17) gave Moore 49.8% and Wess 35%, while The Alabama Poll (Oct. 16) showed Moore at 56% and Wess at 35%. The numbers indicate a stable lead for Moore across multiple surveys.
Fundraising Advantage
Federal election data reveal that Moore holds a significant donation lead over Wess, further underscoring his strong position in the race.
What This Means for Alabama Voters
With the Senate seat set to be filled in early 2027, Alabama voters will decide whether to continue a conservative representation in Washington or shift toward a Democratic voice focused on social and economic reforms. The race reflects the state’s solidly red political landscape, and Moore’s lead suggests the Republican column will likely retain the seat.
Key Dates
- Primary runoff results: Spring 2026
- General election: November 2026
- Senate swearing‑in: January 3, 2027
Voters should stay informed about each candidate’s platform and upcoming campaign events as the election approaches.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
