Trump backs Barry Moore in Alabama Senate primary as GOP race intensifies

Trump praises Barry Moore’s loyalty and conservative record as Alabama GOP primary nears runoff
Donald Trump’s tele-rally served as a final push for Barry Moore, one of six Republicans competing for the party’s Senate nomination in Tuesday’s primary (Getty Images)
Donald Trump’s tele-rally served as a final push for Barry Moore, one of six Republicans competing for the party’s Senate nomination in Tuesday’s primary (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump joined a tele-rally for Rep Barry Moore, R-Ala, on the eve of Alabama’s Republican Senate primary, throwing his support behind the congressman and portraying him as a loyal ally committed to advancing the conservative agenda in Washington.

The tele-rally served as a final push for Moore, who is among six Republican candidates competing for the party’s Senate nomination in Tuesday’s primary election.

Under Alabama law, a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff election between the top two finishers.

President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters after signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Trump answers questions from reporters after signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump backs Moore endorsement, immigration stance

Opening the rally, Moore highlighted his longstanding ties with Trump, telling supporters he was “proud to say I was the first elected official in the nation to endorse him in 2015.”

The congressman framed his support for Trump as proof of his loyalty to the president and the broader Make America Great Again movement.

Trump returned the praise during the call, describing Moore as “in a different league” and emphasizing that the Alabama lawmaker had backed him “from the very beginning.”

The president repeatedly stressed Moore’s conservative credentials, particularly on border security and immigration enforcement, issues that continue to dominate Republican campaigns nationwide.

Trump praised Moore’s voting record in Congress, saying he had consistently supported tough immigration policies and would continue to do so if elected to the Senate.

He also said Moore would work to protect veterans, defend the Second Amendment and “safeguard” elections, themes that have become central talking points in Trump-backed Republican campaigns.

Donald Trump speaks at the Republican Members Issues Conference, Monday, March 9, 2026, at Trump National Doral Miami in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Trump speaks at the Republican Members Issues Conference, Monday, March 9, 2026, at Trump National Doral Miami in Doral, Fla (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Crowded Republican field raises runoff possibility

Moore faces stiff competition in the crowded Republican primary field, with six candidates vying for the nomination. Alabama election law requires a candidate to win a majority of votes to secure the nomination outright.

 If no candidate crosses the 50 percent threshold, the race will head to a runoff between the top two finishers on the fourth Tuesday following the primary.

Trump’s endorsement is expected to play a significant role among conservative voters in the deep-red state, where his influence over Republican primary contests remains strong.

The tele-rally was aimed at energizing the GOP base and consolidating support around Moore ahead of voting day. “Alabama, I love you, and I think you love me,” Trump told rally participants. “We’re never going to have a loss in Alabama.”

MONTGOMERY, AL - DECEMBER 12:  Republican Senatorial candidate Roy Moore arrives on stage to speak a
Republican Senatorial candidate Roy Moore arrives on stage to speak about the race against his Democratic opponent Doug Jones, which is too close, and there will be a recount during his election night party in the RSA Activity Center on December 12, 2017, in Montgomery, Alabama (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Alabama race revives Trump’s mixed Senate record

The Alabama Senate race also revives memories of Trump’s complicated history with Senate endorsements in the state.

During the 2017 special Senate election, Trump backed then-incumbent Sen Luther Strange in the Republican primary.

Strange ultimately lost to Roy Moore, whose controversial candidacy later led to a general election defeat against Democrat Doug Jones in a major upset for Republicans.

Political observers are closely watching this year’s contest as another test of Trump’s continued dominance within the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 midterm cycle.

For Barry Moore, securing Trump’s vocal backing could provide a crucial advantage in a race where turnout and voter loyalty may determine whether the contest ends Tuesday night or moves into a runoff battle.

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