2022 Alabama U.S. Senate race Archives

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, bestowed immense praise upon U.S. Sen.-elect Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) for her “much-deserved victory.”

Britt defeated Democrat Will Boyd by a 66.75% to 30.92% margin with 94% reporting. Libertarian John Sophocleus holding 2.33% of the vote.

In a statement released shortly after the race was called in Britt’s favor Tuesday night, Scott said Alabama’s soon-to-be junior senator would “do a great job” representing the Yellowhammer State on Capitol Hill.

“Congratulations to Senator-elect Katie Britt on her much-deserved victory tonight in Alabama,” said Scott. “Serving the people of Alabama is nothing new for Katie, and I know she will do a great job in Washington representing her state and preserving the values that make Alabama great.

“I look forward to serving alongside Katie in the Senate.”

SEE: ‘Mama on a mission’: Katie Britt elected Alabama’s next U.S. senator

Britt’s victory is historic in that she is the first woman Alabama has elected to the U.S. Senate. Additionally, she is the youngest Republican woman elected to the upper chamber in the nation’s history.

In a speech delivered to supporters at Alley Station Warehouse after being declared senator-elect, Britt asserted that “no one will worker harder” than her in the upper chamber of Congress.

“I am going to listen to you, not lecture you. I know that every one of you is not going to agree with me on every single issue and that’s OK,” said Britt. “I’m going to be working for all Alabamians.

“I am going to be a voice for parents and families and hard-working Alabamians across this state, and I’m going to work tirelessly every single day to make Alabama proud.”

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

U.S. Sen.-Elect Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is the first woman elected to represent Alabama in the upper chamber of Congress.

In a dominant election night performance, Britt handily defeated Democratic Party nominee Will Boyd for the seat held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

While unofficial election results are expected to be provided later Tuesday night, the Associated Press has called the race in favor of Britt.

On Jan. 3, Britt will be sworn in as Alabama’s junior senator and become one of the youngest members of the chamber.

However, many view Britt, who formerly served Shelby’s Senate office as chief of staff, as well-primed to represent Alabama in the world’s greatest deliberative body.

The Enterprise native is a graduate of the University of Alabama and served as Student Government Association president. Following her tenure as Shelby’s top advisor, Britt went on to lead the Business Council of Alabama as president and CEO in 2018.

While at the state’s most prominent and influential association, Britt notched numerous victories for Alabama’s business community. Perhaps most significantly, Britt led the charge at BCA to keep Alabama’s economy unrestrained from excessive COVID-19 governmental mandates and restrictions.

Upon entering the U.S. Senate race, Britt was polling in the single digits. In June 2021, U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) was polling near 60% compared to Britt’s 9%.

Alabama’s senator-elect proved to be a tireless campaigner, as she traveled the state in grassroots fashion. In addition to her work ethic, Britt demonstrated the ability to construct a fundraising apparatus unparalleled in state history for a first-time candidate.

Britt remained dedicated to her “Alabama First” campaign motto and focused on issues of importance to Yellowhammer State voters throughout the entirety of the race.

The first-time candidate went on to become the top vote-getter in May’s primary election, which led to a showdown with Brooks in the June runoff.

Shortly after polls closed on June 21, it was evident Britt would clinch the GOP’s nomination. In a dominant performance, she bested Brooks in 66 of the state’s 67 counties and earned the Republican Party’s nod.

A skilled and talented conveyor of message, Britt has garnered widespread support among various factions of the Republican Party. Britt has received immense praise from the likes of former President Donald Trump and Steve Bannon to those more closely associated with the moderate wing of the party, such as South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

Britt has not only emerged as a unifying voice within polar wings of the party, but she has also messaged to mothers and suburban women, a vital demographic for the GOP.

At age 40, Britt will be the only U.S. senator with school-age children. She is the youngest Republican woman elected to U.S. Senate, as well as the second youngest woman ever elected to the upper chamber.

Whether the issue be crime, border security or parental rights in education, Britt has effectively tailored her message to an audience that is crucial the Republicans’ electoral success.

The senator-elect has assembled vast praise from national political observers, with Trump’s go-to pollster Jim McLaughlin dubbing Britt as “a national figure” who could some day be placed in discussions of the “presidential level.”

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Republican U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt was greeted by a crowd of supporters at the Montgomery polling site of Huntington College’s Drum Theater.

After casting her ballot, Britt released a statement lauding the support she had received from Alabama’s electorate throughout the race.

“Seeing so many children and parents come out to cheer us on this morning reinforced why we’re doing this — to preserve the American Dream for generations to come,” said Britt. “We are blown away by the enthusiasm we’ve seen in every corner of our state.”

The Yellowhammer State’s “future is on the ballot,” according to the U.S. Senate hopeful.

“It is clear that Alabamians are ready to send a loud and clear message at the ballot box today, and we are truly grateful for the prayers, encouragement, volunteer work, and support from so many people across Alabama,” she said. “I will work tirelessly every single day in the U.S. Senate to make Alabama proud. Please remind your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to get out the vote, because our future is on the ballot.”

“Together, we’ll save the country we know and love for our children and our children’s children.”

Britt is facing Democrat Will Boyd for the seat held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

GOP U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt will hold a star-studded campaign rally Monday in Madison alongside several high-ranking Republican officeholders.

The rally will feature firebrand U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, House Speaker Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia), Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) and House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville).

The “Get Out The Vote” event at Black Patch Distillery in Madison, is scheduled to start at 11 a.m..

In a statement announcing the rally, Britt expressed her honor in joining Blackburn and Republican state leaders for the Madison County event.

“I’m excited to join an incredible lineup of speakers in Madison County at our ‘Get Out The Vote’ rally,” said Britt. “It’s an honor to have Senator Marsha Blackburn on hand to outline how important this upcoming General Election is. We are looking forward to visiting with everyone and discussing what’s at stake on November 8.”

“It’s time to send a message loud and clear to Washington, D.C., that we’ve had enough of President Biden’s radical agenda that puts hardworking Alabama families last, whether it is generationally high inflation, a historic border crisis, or the devastating flood of fentanyl into our communities,” she said. “This is the ‘Year of the Parent’, and people across our great state know that our future is on the ballot.

“Together, we will preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children.”

Britt will face Democrat Will Boyd in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

During a Tuesday interview with iHeart Radio’s “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” GOP U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt declared parents will play a lead role in Republicans’ election night success.

When asked about her dubbing 2022 as the “Year of the Parent,” Britt proclaimed that those with school-aged children were becoming politically active due to the Biden administration’s actions on numerous fronts.

“So, when you look across the nation, we have parents getting off the sidelines,” said Britt. “It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about a school board election or all the way to the United States Senate, because we see the country that our children are growing up in and we know the country that we grew up in. And honestly, while it’s not too far apart, it right now seems worlds and worlds away.”

“And we believe if our generation if parents don’t step up and fight for our children, then we don’t know what’s going to be left for our kids to fight for. And we are seeing this on every single front. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about the border. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about crime within our communities.

“If you’re talking about education, we see the real effects on the day to day lives of our children and parents are saying enough is enough.”

Interview begins around 21:00 minutes into podcast episode:

Travis lamented government-instituted COVID-19 regulations which he asserted had been detrimental to individual liberty and public school education. He then asked Britt if the liberal policies that were handed down during the pandemic would serve to usher a “red wave election.”

In response, Brittblasted mandatory masking of children and said the interests of students had been “put to the back side for some type of liberal ideology.”

“It is going to be a red wave election and it is because of what you just said,” said Britt. “I mean, during the pandemic, we saw Democrats advocate to keep our children locked out of the classroom. We as parents knew what that was doing to our kids, not only the educational loss that they would have. And we’ve seen that. Right?

“You look at the NAEP scores across the nation and everyone is digging into those as we speak. And on average, we are down five points in reading and we’re down eight points in math.

“[W]e’ve done a great disservice and we’re going to see the effects of it for years and years to come.”

When asked why the GOP has found success in forming “the broadest coalition” it had ever seen, Britt, a 40-year-old mother of two school-aged children, said Republicans represented the interests of parents and “hard-working Americans.”

“I think because people realize we are the party of parents. You know, we are the party of hard-working Americans,” she said. “We look at our values, this party’s values: faith, family, freedom and opportunity. And for the very first time ever, we are seeing that we may leave our children with less freedom and less opportunity than we had.

“And make no mistake, when the government takes one of your freedoms, they’re never giving it back. And so standing up and saying, enough is enough.”

Britt will face Democrat Will Boyd in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), chair of the House GOP Conference, announced Elevate PAC’s endorsement of Republican U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt.

Stefanik’s Elevate PAC supports the candidacies of Republican women seeking election to Congress.

In a statement Thursday announcing her PAC’s endorsement of Britt, Stefanik said the Alabama U.S. Senate hopeful would take aim at Democratic leadership’s “radical policies.”

“I am proud to endorse Katie Britt to be Alabama’s next U.S. senator,” said Stefanik in a release. “Katie is an America First warrior who will be a crucial voice for Alabama in the Senate, where she will stand up against Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer’s radical policies that have created crisis after crisis.

“I am proud to add Katie to the ranks of strong, E-PAC-endorsed GOP women on the ballot this November, and I encourage all Alabama families to vote for Katie Britt in the critical mission to take back the Senate and save America.”

Britt expressed gratitude to Stefanik over the endorsement and praised the parents who have taken to political action in an effort to “preserve the American Dream.”

“I’m grateful to Congresswoman Stefanik for her support and endorsement,” said Britt. “The Republican Party is the party of parents and hardworking families, who are getting crushed by the unchecked consequences of one-party Democratic rule in Joe Biden’s Washington, D.C. As November 8 quickly approaches, moms and dads across our nation are stepping up to preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children.”

“Together, we will save the country we know and love.”

Elevate PAC has endorsed 23 female Republican candidates in open and challenger congressional races. With the PAC’s endorsement of Britt, Stefanik’s political action committee has endorsed three GOP women seeking election to the upper chamber of Congress.

Britt will face Democrat Will Boyd in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

During a Wednesday in-studio appearance on Fox News Channel’s “America’s Newsroom,” Republican U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt discussed a wide variety of issues facing the nation ahead of the Nov. 8 general election.

Prior to the interview, co-host Bill Hemmer noted data from a Fox News poll that showed 72% of voters were “extremely” or “very concerned” about what was being taught in public schools.

When asked about the issue of education, Britt said classroom curriculum needed to focus on “fundamentals” rather than “woke ideology”

“As a mother myself, all of my friends are talking about what our children are being taught in the classroom. It’s a real thing,” said Britt. “We want to make sure our children are educated and not indoctrinated … We want them taught the fundamentals. We want them taught to love this nation — to stand for the flag, be taught history, be taught math, be taught reading — not to be indoctrinated with woke ideology.”

Co-host Dana Perino made mention of Britt’s consistent focus on mental health throughout the duration of her campaign.

Britt then cited data from the Alabama State Department of Education that showed naloxone, an emergency narcotic overdose treatment drug, had been administered 15 times within the first two months of the current school year.

“We are looking at the effects of fentanyl as we know under Joe Biden. Every state has become a border state,” she said. “When you look at the drugs pouring over our border that have made it not only into our communities, but into our classrooms, we have had 15 uses of Narcan in the classroom this year to save students. So, folks, it’s real.”

Regarding Britt’s hawkish stance on illegal immigration, Hemmer told the candidate, “Not a lot of Republicans talk that way.”

“We have to. It is open season right now under Joe Biden for human traffickers, for drug cartels and for terrorists,” said Britt. “Make no mistake, what is happening is affecting our communities. It’ affecting our way of life. You’re seeing moms and dads get off the sidelines across this nation from school boards to U.S. Senate races, because we see the country we know and love dissolving under Joe Biden’s leadership. And we have to stand up.

“It is disgusting. The trafficking, the drugs, all of them. It’s real and we can’t turn a blind eye. We have to speak up for our children.”

Britt will face Democrat Will Boyd in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Republican U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt continues to post impressive fundraising numbers headed into the closing weeks of the race.

The first-time candidate announced Monday that her campaign raised some $1.362 million last quarter, which was the final quarterly filing before the Nov. 8 general election. Britt ended the quarter with an astounding $1.8 million cash on hand.

Since launching her campaign in June 2021, Britt has raised more than $10.26 million. A majority of the funds were donated by individual Alabamians.

The average contribution amount of $98.06 in 13,892 total contributions indicates that Britt holds strong grassroots support among the Alabama electorate.

In comparison, Democratic nominee Will Boyd raised $45,072.23 in the third quarter and closed the filing period with just $8,260.48 cash on hand. Boyd reported 48 itemized contributions in the three-month period.

Britt praised the overwhelming support her candidacy has received from “hardworking families.”

“I am blown away by the generous, enthusiastic support we’re receiving from hardworking families who love our state and our country,” said Britt. “It is clear that the closer November 8 gets, the more our message is resonating. Americans are getting crushed by the unchecked consequences of one-party Democratic rule in Washington, D.C., and Alabamians are eager to make our voices heard at the ballot box.”

“We are going to continue working hard every single day these next three weeks to secure victory and do our part to retake the U.S. Senate. Together, with our incredible Team Britt supporters, we will preserve the American dream for our children and our children’s children.”

In 2021, Britt raised more than $5 million in six months, which represented the largest single-year fundraising haul of any Republican candidate in Alabama history.

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

A national left-wing immigration organization is sounding its alarm over Republican U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt’s “extreme views” on border security.

Boundless, a Seattle-based entity that opposes conservative reforms to the nation’s border crisis, recently released a list of its so-called “Top 10 most anti-immigrant” senatorial candidates. The list features candidates opposed to mass migration and open border policies.

The organization, which bills itself as a “modern immigration company,” is a law firm that profits from helping foreign nationals gain U.S. citizenry by providing an array of visa and green card-related services.

In an attempt to paint Britt in a negative light, the organization ranked her as the No. 2 most “extreme” candidate on the issue of border security — something which will likely please a large majority of Alabama voters.

“A staunch supporter of ‘securing America’s borders,’ Katie Britt wants to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, bring back Trump’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, and supports increasing military spending and Border Patrol funding,” wrote Boundless.

“She blames immigration for the spike in ‘deadly drugs, violen[t] crime and human trafficking’ in Alabama and for fueling the nation’s opioid and fentanyl crisis,” the organization added. “She believes immigration has driven down Americans’ wages, and plans to restrict diversity visas and decrease legal immigration by half.”

Britt, who has proposed a comprehensive plan to combat illegal immigration in an effort to “put American workers first,” has made border security a central tenet of her campaign.

Along with finishing border wall construction and reinstating former President Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” rule, Britt has advocated for ending the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s catch and release policies.

Ending illegal immigration, according to Britt, is “only half the problem.”

“For decades, American workers have seen stagnant wage growth,” Britt had said. “Under President Biden, wages are growing at a rate lower than inflation, which is crushing hardworking Alabamians and retirees.”

The first-time candidate also suggests the market’s supply of immigrant labor has “driven down the wages of Alabamians, especially those without college degrees.”

The following are proposed measures as outlined in Britt’s immigration plan:

Reduce overall legal immigration to a “sensible level” and transition to a new system that prioritizes skills and merit over family-ties.
Overhaul guest worker programs that “depress wages and rob American workers of job opportunities.”
Permanently address the “deeply flawed and corrupt” EB-5 investor visa program.
Require all employers to use E-Verify.

The candidate plans to cosponsor U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton’s (R-Ark.) “RAISE Act,” which would cut in half the number of immigrants allowed into the nation. The bill also ends the current chain migration system, establishes a merit-based immigration system, and eliminates the diversity visa lottery system.

Additionally, Britt has stated her intentions to clarify via legislation that birthright citizenship only applies to individuals born to U.S. citizens or those lawfully residing in the nation.

Britt will face Democrat Will Boyd in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated.

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

The nation’s largest small business advocacy group gave its endorsement to Republican U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt.

The National Federation of Independent Business announced the endorsement Friday at Tang’s Alterations in Montgomery.

In a statement, NFIB Alabama State Director Rosemary Elebash sang Britt’s praises for her support of the state’s small business community during the candidate’s tenure as CEO of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA).

“Katie Britt has shown a strong commitment to small business, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown,” said Elebash. “NFIB worked closely with Katie when she represented the Business Council of Alabama.”

Elebash touched on Britt’s efforts to ensure Alabama small businesses were unimpeded by government-instituted COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

“We were partners on multiple issues with the Governor’s office, including implementing Alabama Small Business Grants, replenishing the Alabama Unemployment Trust Fund to avoid a 500% tax increase, passing COVID-19 liability protection for businesses, and serving together on the Lt. Governor’s Small Business Emergency Task Force Committee to ‘Reopen Alabama Responsibly,'” she said.

“During the campaign, Katie has visited with small business owners in all 67 counties and heard their concerns about government overreach with taxes, mandates, rules, and regulations. She will work closely with NFIB to promote policies to assist small businesses when she is elected to the U.S. Senate”

(Katie Britt for U.S. Senate/Contributed)

In accepting the NFIB’s endorsement, Britt touched on her family’s experiences as small-business owners in southeastern Alabama.

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of NFIB and Alabama’s incredible small businesses,” said Britt. “Growing up as the daughter of two small-business owners in the Wiregrass, I saw firsthand the challenges my parents faced and the sacrifices they made for our family and their team members — just as small-business owners across Alabama do every day.

“In the U.S. Senate, I’m going to be a champion for small businesses in every corner of our great state, and I’ll fight to ensure Main Streets are able to grow and thrive.”

According to NFIB Senior National Political Director Sharon Sussin, Britt understands the issues facing the nation’s small businesses.

“We are confident that Katie Britt will be a voice for small business owners in Congress,” said Sussin. “She has proven to be a consistent small business supporter and understands the challenges small business owners face.

“We are pleased to endorse her today.”

Britt will face Democrat Will Boyd in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

The Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s Candidate Fund has announced its endorsement of Republican U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt.

In announcing its support, SBA President Marjorie Dannenfelser said the first-time candidate was “just the woman” Alabama deserved as its next senator.

“Katie Britt is an outspoken advocate for the unborn and we could not be more excited to welcome her to the ranks of pro-life women in Washington,” said Dannenfelser. “Alabamians are deeply pro-life and deserve senators with an unwavering commitment to fight for unborn babies and their mothers. Katie is just the woman for the job.

“At a time when pro-abortion Democrats have grown more extreme than ever in pushing abortion on demand through the moment of birth, paid for by taxpayer dollars, strong women standing up for life are critical. Katie is a leader and we encourage all pro-life Alabamians to support her this Election Day.”

Britt, who is seeking the seat held by retiring Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa), also holds an endorsement from National Right to Life.

In a statement lauding SBA’s endorsement, Britt pledged to be a “tireless champion for life” in the upper chamber of Congress.

“I am excited to have earned Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s endorsement,” said Britt. “Hardworking American families are being crushed by generationally high inflation, rising violent crime, and the deadly fentanyl crisis, and the American Dream is at risk for our children. In the Senate, I am going to be a tireless champion for life and will fight to build a strong future for all children, for my fellow moms, and for families across our nation.

“ZIP code should never define opportunity for any Alabamian, and I will work to ensure every child and every family in our great state can thrive in a safe, strong community.”

Vowing to support increased opportunities for children “from the womb to the workforce,” Britt asserted that more must be done to help mothers through difficult circumstances.

“Ridgeway and Bennett were three and four years old when I finished law school, and I know first-hand the significant responsibilities and challenges motherhood entails,” she said. “I will work as Alabama’s U.S. senator to deliver comprehensive solutions that address the hurdles moms and families face so they can make life-affirming decisions and prosper throughout all stages of life.”

Britt and her opponent, Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Will Boyd, hold vastly different views on the issue of abortion.

In reacting to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision earlier this year to overturn Roe v. Wade, Boyd indicated that the government should not play a role in protecting the right to life of the unborn.

The progressive senatorial candidate said he believed “that women — not the government – must have the final say in their own healthcare decisions. No elected or appointed official should be empowered to police a woman’s most private and sensitive decisions.”

Britt and Boyd will face off in the Nov. 8 general election.

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

The U.S.-Mexico border is “secure” even as enforcement agents are contending with a mass influx of illegal immigrants entering the nation’s interior on a daily basis, according to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris, who has been tapped by President Joe Biden to oversee matters relating to the border crisis, made the assertion during a recent interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd.

Border arrests are on pace to surpass 2 million for the federal government’s current fiscal year, according to the New York Post.

When asked by Todd if the border was secure, Harris insisted Congress must pass legislation providing a “pathway to citizenship” for those residing in the United States illegally.

“The border is secure,” said Harris. “But we also have a broken immigration system, in particular, over the last four years before [the Biden administration] came in. And it needs to be fixed.”

Todd pressed Harris once more on the question of a secure border, to which the vice president admitted issues still existed surrounding illegal immigration. Outstanding issues regarding the southern border, according to Harris, preceded the current administration.

“We have a secure border in that that is a priority for any nation, including ours and our administration,” she said. “But there are still a lot of problems that we are trying to fix, given the deterioration that happened over the last four years.”

“We also have to put in place a law and a plan for a pathway for citizenship for people who are here and are prepared to do what is legally required to gain citizenship.”

Taking exception to the vice president’s claim Tuesday, Alabama U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt (R) tweeted that the number of illegal immigrants penetrating the southern border constituted “a crisis.”

Vice President Harris can't change the facts. Two million illegal immigrants in a single year isn't a secure border: it's a crisis.

States like Alabama are facing the deadly consequences every day, as fentanyl steals lives and destroys families. #alsen pic.twitter.com/WnlU2DVzlI

— Katie Britt (@KatieBrittforAL) September 12, 2022

As cited by Britt, the Yellowhammer State continues to experience the lethal affects of fentanyl flooding the illicit drug market.

Fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the state rose from 453 to 1,069 during the timeframe of 2020-2021, according to the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.

Britt will face progressive Democratic Party U.S. Senate nominee Will Boyd in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

In a recent interview with the Trussville Tribune, Democratic Party U.S. Senate nominee Will Boyd suggested that the political climate in Alabama presented the appearance of it being a “hate state.”

The progressive U.S. Senate hopeful made the comment while lamenting the Republican Party’s contentious primary runoff contests this past election cycle.

Boyd proclaimed that he would opt against bringing the operations of his hypothetical business to the Yellowhammer State and would not want a “Made in Alabama” label stamped on his product.

“I believe transgender kids, people who are in the LGBTQIA+ community, all deserve a shot. They need to be treated with fairness, with dignity, with equity. I believe anybody in our state ought to feel like there is diversity, inclusion and belonging,” Boyd told Trussville Tribune publisher Scott Buttram. “You know what, Scott? If I’m a business owner and I’m trying to decide whether or not I want to plant a business in Alabama, and I watch those runoffs that we saw in the last primary, I wouldn’t want to send a business to Alabama. I wouldn’t want a ‘Made in Alabama’ sticker on my product because that looks like it’s a hate state.”

In other portions of the wide-ranging interview, the Democrat senatorial candidate heaped praise on President Joe Biden for doing “a phenomenal job” in spurring U.S. job growth.

Additionally, in explaining why he would have voted in favor of the hotly contested “Inflation Reduction Act,” Boyd asserted that issues related to climate change were among the top priorities for younger Americans.

Former Business Council of Alabama CEO Katie Britt emerged as the GOP’s overwhelming choice for the seat currently held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa). Britt and Boyd will face off in the November 8 general election.

Boyd’s U.S. Senate candidacy is the third statewide campaign he has launched and is his fourth bid for public office in total.

As the Democratic Party nominee for Alabama’s fifth congressional district in 2016, Boyd unsuccessfully challenged incumbent U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville). He lost to Brooks in the general election by a 66.7% to 33.2% margin.

A year later, Boyd qualified to seek the Democratic Party nomination in the special election for the U.S. Senate. He would earn only 4.9% of the vote and was defeated by eventual U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Mountain Brook).

In 2018, as a candidate for lieutenant governor, Boyd was defeated by then-State Rep. Will Ainsworth (R-Guntersville) by a 61.3% to 38.7% margin.

Watch the interview in full:

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

As the primary election season is cooling down, the general election is heating up. There is much at stake in November for our state and nation.

The tone-deaf Democrats are insistent on ignoring the will of the American people with their consistently ignorant stubbornness on most issues that are clearly harming our country.

While Republican motivation is at an all-time high for November 8, we must not take anything for granted. In such a red state, complacency can be our worst enemy.

As the former chairwoman of the Alabama Republican Party and the recent state co-chair for Mo Brooks for U.S. Senate, I ask that all of our party pull together to focus on November.

While the voting record of Mo Brooks, which I’ve called the gold standard record of the GOP, was my driving motivation for supporting his candidacy, I now fully support Katie Britt and am respectfully asking Republicans across our state to join me.

I have known Katie for several years in my former role as the ALGOP chairwoman. She was enthusiastic and easy to work with in our discussions. She is now focused on our party’s principles in her new role.

We have spoken together about the importance of upholding the values of our GOP platform and what’s at stake for our nation as we are at a perilous tipping point from Democrat policies. Katie is strongly on board to be an anchor for our goals. Katie is also committed to working with our party in new ways – on both county and state levels. I look forward to helping her any way I can.

While the primary and runoff season can be challenging for all campaigns, it is time to remember the ultimate goal. I believe Katie will deliver on her promises, help build our party, and vote for our “America First” principles.

Alabama has been through three hard-fought U.S. Senate races in just five years – most likely another Alabama history footnote. Folks can become tired, frustrated and worn out in the process. I know – I’ve been there many times in my 45 years of volunteering in our party.

We must take back the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House. Joining together for the betterment of our state and country begins in Alabama by supporting our U.S. Senate nominee, Katie Britt. We did this in 2016 and the outcome was our celebration of the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. This, along with many more examples, should guide us into November.

I humbly ask our voters to join together to show the nation how Alabamians are examples of focusing on our final objective: electing Republicans and stopping the Democrats.

We’ve seen what happens when liberals are in control, and it is dangerous for America. Alabamians can begin by supporting Katie Britt as our Republican U.S. Senate nominee with our time, donations, volunteering and sharing your support with your friends and family.

Alabama and America need us now more than ever. Our primary voters have chosen our nominees, and it is important for us to come together for our bigger goals.

I look forward to supporting Katie Britt in any possible way I can, and I ask all Republicans to join me. Let’s show the nation our determination to help send a new Republican senator to join Senator Tuberville in fighting for conservative causes and stopping the insanity of liberal policies by electing Katie Britt as our new U.S. Senator.

Get to know Katie and volunteer to help at: www.katiebrittforsenate.com.

Terry Lathan is a resident of Mobile County. She previously served as the chair of the Alabama Republican Party

Republican U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt this week received the endorsement of the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC).

Founded in 1968, the NRLC is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. The federation holds more than 3,000 chapters throughout all 50 states.

In a statement announcing the organization’s endorsement of Britt, NRLC president Carol Tobias proclaimed that the first-time candidate was “committed to building a culture of life.”

“National Right to Life is pleased to endorse Katie Britt for election to the U.S. Senate,” said Tobias in a release. “Katie Britt is firmly committed to building a culture of life in her home state of Alabama and across this nation.”

“If victorious in November, Katie Britt will become the first woman to be elected a U.S. Senator from Alabama,” she noted. “She is a trailblazer who knows that to be truly pro-woman is to be pro-life. We look forward to working with Katie Britt in the Senate to advance pro-life policies that protect both unborn children and their mothers.”

In accepting the NRLC’s endorsement of her campaign, Britt pledged to defend the “sacred right to life” as Alabama’s junior senator.

“I am honored to have National Right to Life’s endorsement,” said Britt. “Being a voice for the voiceless and defending those who cannot defend themselves is something in which I take great pride. I will always fight to protect the God-given, sacred right to life as Alabama’s next U.S. Senator.”

According to Britt, a 40-year-old mother of two, protecting life extends well beyond the womb.

Throughout the entirety of her U.S. Senate bid, Britt has stated her intentions to spearhead issues relating to education, broadband expansion, the opioid crisis, rural health care, mental health care and job creation. The candidate has also expressed her support for crisis and adoption services for mothers in need.

“Education is the key to opportunity, which is at the heart of the American Dream,” continued Britt. “Each child in Alabama deserves to have a top-notch education so that they can land a good-paying job and support a family of their own right here at home one day. Zip code should never define opportunity for any Alabamian, and I will work to ensure every child and every family in our great state can thrive in a safe, strong community. Together, we will build a strong future for our children and our children’s children.”

Britt will face progressive Democratic Party nominee Will Boyd in the November 8 general election for the seat currently held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

After officially clinching the Republican Party nomination for the U.S. Senate, Katie Britt is receiving the formal support of U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn).

Britt defeated U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) 63.02% to 36.98% in the June 21 senatorial primary runoff election for the seat currently held by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Asking his campaign supporters in a Tuesday fundraising email to back Britt’s effort against progressive Democratic Party nominee Will Boyd, Tuberville called on Republicans to galvanize behind her candidacy and stand “united as conservatives.”

“The U.S. Senate race here in Alabama is heating up – the left is desperate to score an upset victory this November,” began the fundraising email, which was sent to Tuberville and Britt supporters. “But I know that standing strong and united as conservatives, we can beat back their attempts to put this seat in Joe Biden’s pocket.”

Touching on Britt’s dominant GOP primary victory, Alabama’s junior senator asserted that the first-time candidate served as an aspirational figure for “the next generation of Alabama conservatives.”

“I’m so proud to stand with AMERICA FIRST WARRIOR Katie Britt in this race! Katie scored an incredible victory in the primary runoff, carrying 66 out of 67 counties,” continued Tuberville in the email. “She is a tireless campaigner who is 100% committed to the fight to save our country, serving as an inspiration to the next generation of Alabama conservatives.”

Tuberville warned that Britt would face a “well-funded National Democrat campaign machine” in the November 8 general election contest.

“Today, I’m asking you to help us send Katie Britt and her team a big boost of support,” added the senator. “I’ve gotten to know Katie well. I know she’ll be an incredible partner in the U.S. Senate. Together, we’ll fight with all we’ve got for our Alabama values like personal responsibility, limited government, and support for law enforcement.”

“And victory in this race will bring us one step closer to taking back the Senate! Thank you for any donation you can send. Let’s show Katie that Team Tuberville is ALL-IN behind her as she takes on the well-funded National Democrat campaign machine,” finished Tuberville’s fundraising email.

In reacting to her candidacy officially holding Tuberville’s support, Britt stated her intention to work alongside the senator to ensure that the GOP becomes the upper chamber’s majority party.

“I am excited to have Senator Tuberville’s support and appreciate Republicans rallying behind my nomination to serve as Alabama’s next U.S. Senator,” said Britt in a statement to Yellowhammer News. “Hardworking American families are hurting right now with crushing inflation, record illegal immigration, and rising violent crime across our nation. President Biden’s radical agenda is on the ballot on November 8, and our state is ready to send a loud message in defense of our values, our future, and the survival of the American Dream.”

She concluded, “Together, we will win in November, help retake the Senate, and save the country we know and love for our children and our children’s children. I look forward to working with Coach as we fight for Alabama’s people and Alabama’s values in the U.S. Senate.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Trade associations can display political prowess through various means. This can be expressed in the form of campaign finance, fundraising capability, successful lobbying efforts, grassroots deployment, among other methods.

For the Alabama Forestry Association (AFA), the state’s most prominent landowner and timber industry advocacy organization, its influence in the U.S. Senate race was exhibited most effectively through well-timed polling.

Katie Britt, who was AFA’s endorsed candidate in the GOP primary contest and the frontrunner to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa), benefited from consistent polling commissioned by AFA from nationally-renowned polling firm McLaughlin & Associates.

As recently outlined by Politico’s Environment & Energy Publishing, which referred to the association as Britt’s “secret weapon,” AFA’s steady release of polling data conveyed to interested parties the viability of Britt’s candidacy throughout the hotly contested race.

The strategically-timed polling, conducted by one of the nation’s leading polling and analytics firms, paid dividends for the first-time candidate’s senatorial bid.

Jim McLaughlin, president and founding partner of the firm, is actively involved in numerous highly watched U.S. Senate races across the nation.

In a recent conversation with Yellowhammer News, McLaughlin spoke to the vigor of the primary contest and described Alabama’s electorate as being well informed.

McLaughlin pointed to early polling commissioned by Club for Growth, which had U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) holding a 43-point lead over Britt. The first-time candidate’s ability to stay the course amid the race’s momentum shifts spoke to Britt’s dynamic skills as a campaigner, said the pollster.

“I really believe the [Alabama] Republican primary and Katie Britt’s victory was one of the most fascinating races in the country,” McLaughlin told Yellowhammer News. “Here you have somebody who was virtually unknown to the electorate and she was running against one guy, who this was his second time running statewide and had a national profile in Mo Brooks. And she was running against somebody like Mike Durant who had a very compelling biography and was also in some ways a national figure.”

“And she starts to campaign with virtually no name identification, and then yet she wins this thing almost two-to-one,” he noted. “It was a truly fascinating race. I think it’s the perfect example of where candidates really matter. She was just the better candidate and she really connected with the Republican primary voters in Alabama. Through good old-fashioned campaigning and grassroots campaigning, first she won the support of the Alabama Republican primary voter, and then she won the support of President Trump.”

According to McLaughlin, Britt’s stock will only continue to rise once she becomes Alabama’s junior senator. He said that the Republican nominee’s popularity among the business community and Evangelical conservatives, both crucial GOP voting blocs, demonstrated Britt’s unique skill set.

“I look at her, I think she could become a national figure. I think she could be a rock star,” McLaughlin said of Britt. “I think she could give you all the good stuff, the great constituent service that Senator Shelby gave you. But I also look at her as being a national figure. I wouldn’t be surprised if people start talking about her at the presidential level.”

Britt enjoyed the support of multiple influential Alabama trade associations. However, AFA’s support of her candidacy was unique in that it is widely seen as the organization that is most closely aligned with the conservative grassroots base of the Republican Party.

While other trade associations hold the capability to direct significant financial support to their favored candidates, within AFA’s arsenal of political weapons sits a well-organized and dedicated grassroots network.

In detailing the association’s efforts on behalf of Britt, AFA president and CEO Chris Isaacson indicated that tapping into the forestry community’s expansive grassroots apparatus paid dividends in delivering vital support to the campaign.

“Once our board endorsed Mrs. Britt, we were directed to do what we could to ensure she was successful,” said Isaacson in a statement to Yellowhammer News. “We don’t have the financial resources that some other organizations do, so it was going to be difficult to have a material impact, especially considering the huge amount of money that was spent on the race. We do have an extensive grassroots network that could make a difference, however.”

By utilizing the services of the Trump-favored polling firm, Isaacson asserted that AFA was able to convey Britt’s support among the state’s GOP electorate to interested parties.

“So we decided to utilize our relationship with Jim McLaughlin to conduct surveys during the course of the election and communicate the results to mobilize that network,” he advised. “Jim and his staff are the best in the business and we knew that we were providing our members with the best information available.”

Isaacson concluded, “We had no idea the race would have as many shifts as it did and it was our surveys that were tracking them. Our members were interested, got involved, and their involvement appears to have made a meaningful impact. We have worked hard on our grassroots and it was gratifying to see it pay off.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

The state of Alabama is suffering the consequences of the Biden administration’s liberal border policies, according to Republican U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt.

Recently updated statistics compiled by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) show that approximately 91,000 illegal immigrants reside in the Yellowhammer State.

According to Britt, the mass influx of migrants that continue to penetrate the nation’s interior have “effectively” turned Alabama into a border state.

“There is no doubt that Joe Biden’s radical agenda has effectively made every state a border state, including Alabama,” declared Britt in a statement to Yellowhammer News. “His administration has intentionally chosen to eliminate the strong border policies that were working under President Trump and instead turn back to the failed agenda we first saw implemented by President Obama. For example, President Biden has replaced the commonsense Remain in Mexico policy with the dangerous practice of ‘catch and release.’ The result is record numbers of illegal immigrants flooding across the southern border and being released into places like Alabama.”

Throughout her senatorial bid, Britt has made combating illegal immigration a central tenet of her candidacy. As Alabama’s junior senator, the first-time candidate pledged that she would work to implement conservative reforms to the nation’s immigration laws “on day one.”

“I have previously released my plan to overhaul our immigration system in a way that puts American families and workers first, and I am eager to begin fighting to implement this plan on day one as Alabama’s Senator,” she outlined.

Should Republicans regain control of Congress, Britt said that the Biden administration would be held to account over its “failure” to protect national sovereignty.

“The Biden Administration’s failure to fulfill their Constitutional duty to defend our nation’s sovereignty and uphold law and order is merely one reason why it is crucially important that Republicans retake both the U.S. Senate and the House in November to hold them accountable and restore sanity to Washington,” asserted Britt. “Together, we will save the country we know and love for our children and our children’s children.”

Britt will face progressive Democratic Party nominee Will Boyd in the November 8 general election for the seat currently occupied by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Parroting a narrative promoted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Democratic Party U.S. Senate nominee Will Boyd claims that “voter suppression” is alive and well in the state of Alabama.

On his official campaign website, Boyd alleges, “Not all Alabamians are being treated equally even though Alabama has been called the cradle of civil rights!”

The progressive Democrat’s accusations are unfounded, according to records maintained by the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office.

In a conversation with Yellowhammer News, Secretary of State John Merrill advised that nearly all eligible black Alabamians were registered to vote.

“Since I became the secretary… we’ve registered 2,083,733 new voters,” said Merrill. “Now we’ve got 3,654,977 registered voters. And 96% of all eligible African Americans are registered to vote. And 94% of all eligible Alabamians are registered to vote. So we’re real, real proud of that. No state in the union can match what we’ve done in that same period of time — no state.”

“And I was with all 50 state secretaries this past week at our national conference in Baton Rouge,” he detailed. “[We] made a presentation on exactly what we have done.”

Merrill pointed to the Republican-controlled legislature’s efforts this year to redraw legislative districts that reflect the state’s racial makeup and provide appropriate political representation to minority populations.

“The Alabama Legislature is responsible for reapportionment. And the Alabama Legislature has drawn more minority-majority districts than have ever existed in the history of the state, in the House and in the Senate both,” noted the secretary. “There’s more majority-minority districts in the state of Alabama today than there have ever been.”

Boyd’s campaign website also contends that black Alabamians did not enjoy equal representation, alleging that the state’s newly redistricted congressional map stood in violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“While African Americans make up 27% of the Alabama population, newly drawn congressional maps reflect only a 14% representation,” the Democratic senatorial nominee’s website reads. “The very inequities that go to the heart of why The Voting Act was needed have not been protected in Alabama.”

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court halted a lower court’s decision to force Alabama to redraw its congressional district map prior to proceeding with the state’s 2022 elections.

The high court’s ruling allowed the state to prepare its appeal of the lower federal court’s determination that Alabama’s refreshed congressional map likely violated the Voting Rights Act by not providing fair representation to minority citizens.

“The Alabama Legislature drew the [congressional] districts too, and it’s my understanding just like when I was in office in the legislature, that they drew what they believed to be fair and representative districts of the population in the state,” added Merrill.

Boyd will face Republican Party nominee Katie Britt in the November 8 general election for the seat that will be vacated in January by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

This November, Republican U.S. Senate nominee Katie Britt will face off against progressive Democrat Will Boyd to determine the state’s replacement for retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

Tea Party Express, a nationwide conservative grassroots advocacy organization, on Friday announced its endorsement of Britt in the November 8 general election contest.

Founded in 2009, Tea Party Express actively promotes the campaigns of conservative candidates seeking election to federal and state offices.

The grassroots organization, which was best known in its earlier days for its fierce opposition to the Obama administration, advocates for lower taxes, smaller government, less federal spending and increased individual liberty.

In a statement announcing the organization’s support of Britt, Tea Party Express co-founder and chief strategist Sal Russo called on Alabama’s conservative electorate to unite behind the GOP nominee.

“Now that the primary dust has settled and Alabama voters have spoken – it’s crucial we all unify behind Katie Britt as the Republican nominee,” proclaimed Russo. “Not only does Katie have the support from Alabamians, but she’s earned the coveted endorsement of President Donald Trump who is confident in her ability to win this November. She had impressive primary and run-off election victories, and we are pleased to join in supporting her campaign for the U.S. Senate.”

Russo made mention of Britt’s tenure as head of the Business Council of Alabama, where she actively led pro-growth public policy initiatives and advocated for the state’s small business community.

“A life-long Alabamian and daughter of two small business owners, Katie has spent her life serving her beloved home state and working to strengthen her local community,” he added. “During her time as President and CEO of Alabama’s Business Council, Katie worked to advocate for free-market principles to bring jobs and prosperity to Alabama. She cut bloated waste and properly structured the organization, all while demonstrating her firm commitment to supporting small business owners and job creation in Alabama.”

The organization’s leader touched on Britt’s commitment to enacting fiscally conservative policy reform measures and combating the Democratic Party’s ambitious spending agenda.

“Katie has pledged to take her same pro-economic growth approach to Congress and demand the government get serious about creating and balancing a federal budget,” continued Russo. “While Democrats seek to throw even more burdensome regulations, high taxes and obstacles at small business owners, Katie knows small businesses can only thrive when the government gets out of the way. Politicians have become addicted to spending and lost sight of the tremendous debt hanging over our economy. It is reassuring to see that Katie is determined to fight back against the excessive government spending that is making a robust economy more difficult.”

Russo concluded, “Once elected, I’m confident Katie will work to cut taxes and reduce the burdensome regulations destroying our economy. We are pleased to offer our endorsement to Katie Britt for election to the United States Senate, and look forward to her continuing to champion our Tea Party principles of cutting taxes, reducing our federal debt, limiting the size of government, and restoring American prosperity.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

7. Auburn professor supports the narrative that Democrats swayed Senate District 27 primary

In the State Senate District 27 Republican primary election, State Senator Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) has claimed that Democrats crossed party lines to vote in the election and vote for his opponent, Auburn City Councilman Jay Hovey.
This narrative has gained traction since an op-ed was published in The New York Times by Auburn University professor of creative writing Anton DiSclafani, who wrote, “I’m a left-leaning Democrat, but on May 24, I voted on the Republican ballot in Alabama’s primary election…Alabama is a deep red state, and I wanted some say in electing the officials who will represent me, because they will almost all certainly be Republican. And have a say I did: Tom Whatley, the state senator for my district, finished behind Jay Hovey by a single vote.”

6. Negative ads are becoming a serious issue

U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) has brought attention to the issue of more negative ads in elections as the primary runoff has ended. Palmer highlighted, “[I]t’s one thing for an opponent to accuse another opponent of something, but it’s totally different when you have outside groups running ads that are totally disingenuous, taking things out of context, and misrepresenting the candidate.”
Palmer went on to say, “I think something as serious as electing the people that are going to determine, at least in the short term, the future of the country, the advertising ought to be held to a higher standard.” He added, “I do think that this is something that we need to take up at some point…I think it’s a disservice to the American people to have ads run like this.”

5. Alabama veterans could face death penalty in Russia

Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh and Sgt. Alexander Drueke, both men from Alabama and veterans of the U.S. military, could face the death penalty after being captured by Russia in Ukraine. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the two men were “involved in illegal activities…[and] should be punished.”
Peskov went on to say Huynh and Drueke were potentially not protected by the Geneva Convention as prisoners of war, since they were not in Ukraine’s army. Previously, two individuals from Britain in Ukraine and sentenced them to death, but Peskov said he “cannot guarantee anything.” He added, “It depends on the investigation.”

4. Another success for school choice in Maine in a win that will have an impact elsewhere

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a school choice case from Maine, deciding that parents were allowed to select religious schools through the state’s program that allows parents to place their children in private schools with funds from the state.
This decision has shown a bit of support to school choice in a broader way, since the court has decided that religious schools can be included. It’s also expected that this could encourage other states to push for more school choice.

3. There were warning signs before the shootings

In Jefferson County, it’s been reported that the Vestavia Hills gunman, Robert Findlay Smith, who left three people dead at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church had a three-year record of 911 calls. The sheriff’s office said that they responded to 13 calls at Smith’s house, some of which were a request for patrol at his house, reports of a suspicious person, criminal mischief, medical calls and “investigate complaint.”
In Uvalde, Texas, the gunman, Salvador Ramos, responsible for the deaths of 19 children and two adults was allegedly driven by a desire for social media fame before he attacked Robb Elementary School. Texas Department of Public Safety Col. Steve McCraw detailed that Ramos showed disturbing “abhorrent behavior,” such as carrying a bag of dead cats, but none of this behavior was ever reported. McCraw also said, “Some of the statements he made” suggested that he knew he’d have “notoriety on a worldwide basis” after the shooting.

2. Gun legislation agreement could be coming soon

In the U.S. Senate, legislation has been introduced with support from Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that would encourage states to create “red flag” laws for firearms, expand background checks, provide funding for school resource officers and mental health, and create penalties for gun traffickers. The National Rifle Association opposes this deal, objecting to the red flag law funding.
U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) are co-sponsoring the legislation and say that the legislation’s final details have been decided. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that the legislation could be voted on within the week. There could be a hangup on an abortion provision in the bill, supporting the Hyde Amendment, but it won’t likely be the thing that derails the deal if it falls apart.

1. Runoff election results are in

In the primary runoff election, U.S. Senate candidate Katie Britt won the Republican nominee for the general election, beating out opponent U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) 63% to 37%. Britt declared that Alabamians were tired of career politicians and she would fight for Christian conservative values. Brooks took a dig at her donors, saying the Democratic Party now had two nominees. Apparently, neither realize the election is over.
In the fifth congressional district race, Madison County Commission chairman Dale Strong defeated former Huntsville City Schools superintendent Casey Wardynski 63.4% to 36.4%. State Auditor Jim Zeigler lost the secretary of state race to State Representative Wes Allen (R-Troy) 65.4% to 34.6%. In the state auditor race, State Representative Andrew Sorrell (R-Muscle Shoals) won against Stan Cooke 57.5% to 42.5%. Both Public Service Commission candidates, “Always Totin'” Jeremey Oden and Chip Beeker, secured primary victories, too.

Tuesday night, former Business Council of Alabama CEO Katie Britt defeated U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) and secured the Republican Party nomination for the Yellowhammer State’s open U.S. Senate seat.

As of reporting time with 27% of the vote in, Britt is holding a 65.71% to 34.29% lead over Brooks.

Britt’s ascension from a virtual unknown outside of political circles to GOP nominee can be attributed to her campaign’s ability to navigate the consistent momentum swings that occurred throughout the hotly contested race.

Polling conducted in October 2021 showed Britt trailing Brooks by more than 40 points.

After a stint atop the GOP primary field, Brooks was replaced as frontrunner by the insurgent candidacy of “Black Hawk Down” U.S. Army aviator Mike Durant.

Dealing a significant blow to the six-term congressman’s candidacy, former President Donald Trump later revoked his endorsement of Brooks, which paved the way for Britt or Durant to win the 45th president’s favor.

Britt’s allies embarked on an aggressive advertising campaign to derail Durant’s candidacy by taking advantage of his identified negatives, which eventually led to the former BCA head claiming frontrunner status.

Britt’s ability to fundraise and execute a highly effective grassroots strategy, which consisted of traditional retail campaigning, continued to pay dividends for the first-time candidate.

According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, Britt raised nearly $7.5 million during the GOP primary election cycle. Alongside shattering Alabama fundraising records, Britt made it a point to aggressively campaign in all 67 counties.

A steady release of polling commissioned by the pro-Britt Alabama Forestry Association displayed her ability to consistently remain atop the three-way race.

Near the race’s end, Trump officially announced his support of Britt’s senatorial bid, all but solidifying her notching the GOP nomination to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

For Brooks, Tuesday night all but closes the book on Brooks’ four-decades-long political career as his final term representing North Alabama on Capitol Hill will end in January when a new Congress is seated.

The firebrand conservative, who seemingly never shied from controversy, has long touted his willingness to buck Republican Party leadership legislatively and politically.

While Brooks’ style earned him a solid base of support among the most conservative factions of the Republican electorate, his combative nature played against his favor in certain business community circles, which harmed his ability to fundraise.

For Britt, her campaign will now set its sights on the November 8 general election, where she will face Democratic Party nominee Will Boyd. The GOP nominee will be heavily favored to prevail in the contest given Alabama’s overwhelming conservative-majority electorate.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

7. Tuberville pushes for crypto investments in 401(k) plans

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is pushing forward with his legislation called the “Financial Freedom Act” to allow cryptocurrency to be included in 401(k) investments. Tuberville stated, “Millions of Americans choose to personally control how their 401(k) savings are investing by using a brokerage window.”
Tuberville clarified that “this isn’t about packaging every 401(k) plan with cryptocurrency. It simply empowers 401(k) savers who choose to self-select their retirement portfolios by preserving the integrity of the brokerage window.” He added, “This amendment doesn’t just impact cryptocurrency. It allows retirement savers to have full control over how hard earned money is invested, just as it would empower investors who want to include crypto in their retirement portfolio.”

6. Whatley continues his ‘fraud’ campaign against Democrats

State Senator Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) has continued his conversation about the alleged “fraud” that took place in the primary vote for his re-election where he lost by a single vote. Whatley has since called for Alabama primaries to be closed.
Whatley said, “In reviewing data from previous elections, my team discovered that more than 30 people in Lee County alone voted in the 2020 Democratic Primary Election and then were allowed to vote in the 2020 Republican run-off election. I consider it to be unacceptable for this number to be anything but zero. I have always been a champion of election integrity and it is important that the people voting tomorrow know that their elections are protected.”

5. Alabama lawmakers call for investigations into attacks on pro-life organizations

It’s been reported that numerous pro-life organizations and facilities have been vandalized and attacked since the leaked U.S. Supreme Court opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade was released. Now, U.S. Representatives Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) and Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) are requesting that the Department of Justice investigate the attacks.
The Alabama congressmen joined 122 other Republican House members in their letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland where they said they wanted “to express serious concerns over recent attacks targeting religious organizations and crisis pregnancy centers and request the Department of Justice respond with how its National Security Division plans to investigate these acts of domestic terrorism.”

4. Rogers is concerned about nuclear escalation with Russia

U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-Saks) is questioning what would happen and how the United States would respond in the event of nuclear escalation in Ukraine from Russia. Rogers asked for President Joe Biden’s plan in this scenario.
Rogers and U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Mike Turner (R-Ohio) wrote a letter to Biden that asks for him “to clarify U.S. policy concerning the use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia in Europe and to clearly communicate such policy to the Russian government.” The letter went on to state, “The U.S. cannot be a passive spectator as Russia uses nuclear intimidation. If Russia uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine, the U.S. must act. This must be clear to Russia to deter their use of nuclear weapons in this unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.”

3. Biden thinks people are making things up about the impending recession

After being questioned on the economy, President Joe Biden responded to the idea of an impending recession by telling a reporter, “[D]on’t make things up.” Biden argued that a majority of economists are not forecasting a recession.
Biden went on to tell the reporter, “Now you sound like a Republican politician, I’m joking, that was a joke, that was a joke. But all kidding aside, no I don’t think it is. I was talking to Larry Summers this morning, there’s nothing inevitable about a recession.” Despite Biden’s statements, gas prices continue to reach record levels, inflation continues to rise, and interest rates are expected to continue to climb throughout the year.

2. Brooks calls for Britt to be disqualified

U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) has repeated the accusation that his opponent in the U.S. Senate race, Katie Britt, supported former U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Mountain Brook) in 2017. Brooks has also called for Britt to be disqualified from the race.
Brooks said, “[I]f the Republican Party was going to be consistent at the Alabama Republican Party executive committee level or steering committee level, then they would treat Katie Britt as they treated other candidates who have been disqualified by the Alabama Republican Party for doing less than Katie Britt did.” Sean Ross, the spokesman for the Britt campaign, responded to Brooks, saying, “This is a clear sign that Congressman Brooks believes he’ll be rejected at the ballot box by Republican voters on Tuesday, and it’s ultimately a sad way for him to end his 40-year political career.” Ross explicitly stated that Britt has never supported a Democrat.

1. Runoff election today

The primary runoff election is being held today across Alabama. Included in the runoff is the Republican U.S. Senate election between Katie Britt and U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville), secretary of state candidates State Representative Wes Allen (R-Troy) and State Auditor Jim Zeigler, and state auditor between State Representative Andrew Sorrell (R-Muscle Shoals) and Stan Cooke.
In North Alabama, the fifth congressional district Republican runoff is taking place between former Secretary of the Army Casey Wardynski and Madison County Commission chairman Dale Strong. A text that inaccurately claims Wardynski had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump is making the rounds. Wardynski said his team was not involved in that text message. The only statewide Democrat race in the runoff is for governor between Yolanda Rochelle Flowers and Malika Sanders Fortier.

7. New regulations for swimming released, restricting transgender participation

FINA, the international competitive swimming federation, has decided to restrict transgender women in competition in a 71% approval vote. FINA president Husain Al-Musallam said, “We have to protect the rights of our athletes to compete, but we also have to protect competitive fairness at our events, especially the women’s category at FINA competitions.”
For transgender women to be eligible for competition, they had to transition before they were 12 years old or before going through puberty. The policy also prohibits transgender men from competing in the women’s category if they used testosterone hormone treatments during puberty or for over a year. Al-Musallam added that an “open category” could be created, which would “mean that everybody has the opportunity to compete at an elite level…I want all athletes to feel included in being able to develop ideas during this process.”

6. Low unemployment in Alabama continues

Governor Kay Ivey’s office has released the unemployment rate for May 2022, showing that the state lowered the unemployment rate to 2.7%, compared to the April rate of 2.8%. In the announcement, Ivey noted “the resiliency of Alabama’s workforce.”
Ivey went on to add, “[W]e’re breaking records that were set only a month ago.” She went on to say, “Alabama’s average weekly wages have once again reached a brand-new record high, rising by 20% since May 2019. Alabamians are working, and our business community is reaping the benefits!”

5. Juneteenth is now a state holiday on June 20

Today is Juneteenth and is recognized as a state holiday, as announced by Governor Kay Ivey. Juneteenth is observed on June 19, but this year, the holiday is recognized on the following Monday.
President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday, but the Alabama Legislature would still have to decide if the holiday would be permanent.

4. COVID vaccines now recommended for those 6 months and older

The coronavirus vaccine has now been recommended for people six months and older by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Late last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine for those as young as six months.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said she encouraged “parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated.”

3. Alabama vets captured in Ukraine shown on Russian TV

A Russian state television show recently aired footage of two U.S. military veterans, Alex Drueke and Andy Huynh. Both veterans are from Alabama and were captured in Ukraine in early June.
Drueke delivered a message to his mom, letting her know that he’s “alive and I hope to be back home as soon as I can be.” Drueke and Huynh were split up from their group in the Kharkiv region, but they eventually encountered Russian patrol and surrendered.

2. Britt has the support of Tim Scott

Just days before the runoff election, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) announced that he’d endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Katie Britt. Scott said of his support, “Katie is a strong conservative who will fight to expand 21^st century opportunity for every American family and preserve the American Dream for generations to come.”
Scott went on to say that Britt “knows that education is the great equalizer in our country, and she’ll work to ensure that each child in America has access to affordable, high-quality education that can unlock their future.”

1. Trump endorsement is boosting Britt

Since former President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Katie Britt in the runoff election, Britt has widened her lead in polls against opponent U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville).
A poll previously released by the Alabama Forestry Association before Trump’s endorsement showed Britt had an 18-point lead. Now, Britt has a lead of 26 points, gaining to 58.4%, compared to Brooks at 32.6%. There are still 9% undecided.