Ava Simunovic ’20 

Democrat Doug Jones defeated Republican opponent, Roy Moore, in Alabama’s special Senate race on Dec. 13. Throughout the night, the leading polls shifted between Jones and Moore.  In the end, Jones won with a mere 1.5 percent margin.

“My family and I were on the edge of our seats while watching the polls,” Jake Thaw ’20 said. “We really wanted Jones to come out with a victory, but at times we grew nervous that Moore would push ahead.”

Moore faced allegations in early November that he sexually abused a 14-year-old girl and pursued relationships with other teenagers. Despite those accusations, President Donald Trump advocated for Moore throughout his campaign. On Dec. 12, the night before the race, he tweeted “Vote Roy Moore” to his followers.

However, the attempt proved to be futile. Jones’s victory left the Republican Senate’s majority to a single seat.

Jones was able to break a streak of 25 consecutive years where Alabama has elected a Republican for as their senator. Jones’s success came from primarily black voters, as 96 percent of them voted for Jones and whose votes made up 29 percent of the electorate.

Jones was able to overcome the state’s demographics by directing his campaign towards black and educated white voters.

Soon after Jones was announced Senator, Moore called for a recount, however he was not given one due to the size of their margin.

Jones looks forward to his years as Alabama’s Senator and is pleased with the outcome of the election.

“This entire race has been about dignity and respect,” Jones said.“This campaign has been about the rule of law.”