Doug Jones Defeats Roy Moore In Upset Alabama Senate Race

For the first time in 25 years, a Democrat was elected to the Alabama Senate. Dem. Doug Jones beat out the embattled Republican candidate Roy Moore, taking 49.92 percent of the vote to Moore’s 48.38 percent.

DOUG JONES DEFEATS ROY MOORE FOR ALABAMA SENATE SEAT

“We have shown the country the way that we can be unified. This entire race has been about dignity and respect,” said Jones, 63, in his victory speech, “This campaign has been about the rule of law.” Moore has been accused of nine women of sexual misconduct of minors. The most notable accuser was Leigh Corfman, who alleges that Moore kissed and touched her sexually when she was just 14. Still, Moore received the endorsement of Donald Trump, who has also been accused of sexual harassment and assault by 16 women.

Trump offered his congratulations to Jones in a tweet on Tuesday night. “Congratulations to Doug Jones on a hard fought victory. The write-in votes played a very big factor, but a win is a win. The people of Alabama are great, and the Republicans will have another shot at this seat in a very short period of time. It never ends!” he said.

Moore says he will not concede yet and wants a recount, but Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill says a change in the outcome is unlikely. Any candidate can request a recount so long he pays for it himself. He told the crowd to “wait on God and let this process play out. Go home and sleep on it.”

Jones is best known for prosecuting two Ku Klux Klan members responsible for the 1963 bombing of a Birmingham church. He vowed to voters to uphold Democratic policy aims in areas such as health care and education. Moore, on the other hand, did little to appeal to mainstream voters. Especially following the sexual assault allegations against him, Moore stayed relatively quiet in his campaign.

With Jones in the Alabama seat, Republicans have just a 51-49 seat edge over the Democrats in the Senate.