Barry Moore

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Barry Moore won the Republican runoff Tuesday for Alabama's open U.S. Senate seat, advancing to the fall election with the help of President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

Moore defeated political newcomer and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson in the contest for the seat being vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor in November. Two Democrats were also in a separate runoff for the Senate seat.

The Hudson-Moore matchup was another test of Trump’s endorsement powers. Trump’s picks have largely prevailed in Republican primaries this year, although another of his preferred candidates for Iowa governor was defeated earlier this month.

In addressing supporters Tuesday night, Moore touted his relationship with the Republican president — "when I call him, he takes my calls" — but said it’s important that Republican voters not get complacent in November as Democrats seek to make gains in the state. As they have nationally, Democrats are seeking to tie GOP candidates to soaring gas prices and other costs.

“We’ve got the White House. We’ve got a delegation that’s pretty conservative, but it’s vitally important that we show up and vote,” Moore said.

Moore is a three-term congressman and a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, He also was an early backer of Trump’s first presidential campaign and Trump returned the support.

“Barry Moore has my complete and total endorsement. He’s the best America First candidate you can imagine,” Trump said shortly before the runoff.

Hudson had cast himself as a political outsider, forcing Moore into a competitive runoff in May by attacking the congressman’s longstanding ties to Washington. Hudson also edged out another big-name contender, Attorney General Steve Marshall to reach Tuesday’s runoff.

Trump's pick, challenger both try to position themselves as outsiders

Highlighting his military background, Hudson had promised to be “a warrior for President Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda.”

“If you want the same thing over and over again, elect a career politician. If you want different results, somebody who can take your issues to Washington and not bring the stupidity of Washington back here to you, send a warrior to Washington,” Hudson said during a candidate forum in May.

But Moore had leaned into his Washington record, highlighting Trump's endorsement and his scorecard from a conservative group that ranks members of Congress on their voting records. He said many candidates say they support Trump, but he can prove it.

“Look at my record, the most conservative member in the Alabama delegation, an ally of the president," Moore said. “The president has endorsed me because he’s seen me in the fire. I never bow down.”

Moore's experience was a deciding factor for some voters who cast their ballots for him Tuesday, as a steady rain fell across much of Alabama.

“He’s the best qualified, I can tell you that — no question," said Bob Marshall, 91, who voted for Moore at a Methodist church in Pike Road, a rural-feeling suburb near Montgomery, the state capital.

Hudson has quipped that he doesn't have a legislative scorecard, but has racked up a high score "against the Taliban in over 60 combat operations."

Julian Metheny, who voted for Hudson Tuesday in Shelby County, said he was drawn to the Republican candidate’s service as a Navy SEAL, his Christian messaging and that he was not part of the political system.

“I like the fact that he was willing to put his life on the line for our country,” said Metheny, 70, who is from a family with multiple veterans.

“He’s not playing the game of politics. He’s an outsider,” he said.