Who's running in Alabama's 1st congressional district
2 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
Low confidenceLow confidenceOnly one weak source, dated material, or indirect evidence. Treat specifics with caution.What would raise it: An official filing record and at least one independent report about this candidate would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Reducing fuel, utility and food costs by recruiting higher-wage companies to south Alabama.
'Taking the fight to the socialist Democrats' and serving with an America First delegation.
Getting the I-10 Mobile River bridge built, preferably without tolls.
Returning to the House Appropriations and Natural Resources committees.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Alabama's 1st District, January 2021–January 2025.
Former Mobile County commissioner.
Lost the 2024 Republican primary to Rep. Barry Moore after redistricting.
Won the August 11, 2026 special Republican primary with about 74.7%; endorsed by President Trump.
Had raised about $1.16 million by July 22, 2026, with no personal loans, according to Lagniappe.
Told Lagniappe he wanted to learn more before taking a position on proposed data centres in Calvert and Prichard.
Declined Jones's debate challenge after the primary, saying 'A debate only brings life to the Democrats' socialist platform.'
Also endorsed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Whip Tom Emmer and GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain.
Arguments in favor
'A Highly Respected Legislator, and Successful Businessman, Jerry has been an incredible Voice for MAGA, and has been with me from the very beginning!'
— President Donald Trump, endorsement on Truth Social reported by Alabama Political Reporter
Arguments against
'Jerry legislated zero bills that became law in his term as a Congressman.' By refusing to debate, 'Jerry is putting politics and name calling over letting constituents hear' from candidates, and 'You will only be able to hide behind "I'm going to support Trump" and "Democrats are Socialists" for so long.'
— Clyde Jones, Democratic opponent, statement reported by NBC 15
What we couldn’t verify
Whether any debate or forum will be held had not been reported; Carl said he would not commit to debates.
Regulating the insurance industry to lower coastal insurance costs.
Addressing the effect of tariffs on farmers and rural businesses.
Raising the minimum wage and enacting immigration reform.
Congressional ethics reform: term limits, a stock-trading ban and a five-year lobbying moratorium for former members.
Better health care, including Medicaid expansion, and higher-quality care for veterans.
Putting veterans with service experience on the Armed Services Committee.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Army, 21 years; retired first sergeant, Signal Corps; Bronze Star recipient.
Former employee of DuPont in business operations, safety and training.
President of the Alabama Arise board of directors, 2023–2025; former president of the SEEDS education nonprofit.
Ran unsuccessfully for the Baldwin County Board of Education in 2018.
The only Democrat to qualify for the 1st District nomination.
Challenged Carl to at least one debate after the primary and plans virtual and in-person town halls across the district.
Arguments in favor
His 21 years in the Army give him experience that too many lawmakers lack: 'We have too many people that have never served that want to sit on the Armed Services Committee... make decisions about young men and women who are serving.' His advocacy with Alabama Arise, including on the grocery tax cut, shows practical problem-solving.
— Clyde Jones, interview with Alabama Political Reporter
Arguments against
'A debate only brings life to the Democrats' socialist platform.'
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
The map changed for 2026. After the US Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais narrowed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, Alabama reinstated the congressional map its Legislature passed in 2023 — a map federal courts had earlier ruled racially discriminatory in Allen v. Milligan. A three-judge federal panel blocked the reinstatement on May 26, 2026, and the US Supreme Court overturned that ruling on June 2, allowing the 2023 map to be used. Because the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th districts changed, the May 19 primary results there were voided and special primaries were held on August 11 with no runoff (plurality wins). November 3 is the general election, decided by plurality. This is an open seat: Republican Rep. Barry Moore is the party's nominee for US Senate. Under the reinstated map the district covers Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties and most of Covington County. Two candidates are certified for the ballot by the Secretary of State (certifications dated August 26, 2026): Republican Jerry Carl, who won the special primary with about 75% over Austin Sidwell, John Mills and Lucas Burger, and Democrat Clyde Jones Jr., the only Democrat to qualify. No independent candidates were certified for any Alabama congressional seat.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Alabama ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.