Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill is adding his name to the list of Republicans who hope to unseat Democratic U.S. Senator Doug Jones. At a press conference at the state capitol Tuesday, Merrill said Alabama needs a “proven conservative” in the Senate who will support President Donald Trump on issues like immigration and judicial appointments.
Merrill’s announcement was accompanied by a campaign video where the 55-year-old touts himself as a “winner” for conservatives and Alabama.
At 10 o’clock this morning I made a formal announcement to launch my campaign to become Alabama’s next United States Senator! Thanks for your support and your encouragement! Please share this message with your family and friends! #ALSEN #ALPolitics #All67 https://t.co/ILvq3qtJGT
— John Merrill (@JohnHMerrill) June 25, 2019
The announcement comes nearly a week after former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore launched his second run for the U.S. Senate seat. Jones defeated Moore in the 2017 special election amid allegations of Moore’s alleged sexual misconduct with teenagers. Moore has denied those allegations.
Joining Merrill and Moore in the GOP primary are U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, former Auburn University coach Tommy Tuberville, former Rep. Arnold Mooney and businessman Stanley Adair.