Democratic candidate Doug Jones prevailed in Alabama’s special Senate election race Tuesday night, delivering an enormous and unexpected win for the Democratic Party that slices the GOP’s majority in the upper chamber to 51-49. Jones narrowly defeated renegade Republican Roy Moore, a man who was accused of sexually assaulting teenage girls when he was in his 30s, including a 14-year-old.
“Thank you, ALABAMA,’’ Jones tweeted shortly after the race was called by the Associated Press and other news organizations.
Thank you ALABAMA!!
— Doug Jones (@GDouglasJones) December 13, 2017
Jones referenced the state’s racist past in his brief remarks to supporters at his headquarters in Birmingham. Moore did not concede the race and said the vote was so close it required closer scrutiny, although he did not call for a recount.
“I realize when the vote is this close, it is not over,’’ Moore said in brief remarks. “God is always in control.’’
The razor-thin victory is evidence that Alabama voters put principle over their conservative politics in choosing a candidate with a sterling reputation, but one who is out of step with most of the state’s voters on issues like abortion. Mr. Jones aimed to create a lead in the urban counties that include Birmingham and Montgomery, and across a band of largely black counties. Strong support for Roy S. Moore, the Republican, was expected in rural, mostly white parts of the state.
