The National Rifle Association (NRA) has endorsed Republican nominee Tommy Tuberville over U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) in Alabama’s 2020 U.S. Senate race.

Tuberville received an “AQ” rating from the NRA, which is the highest possible grade for candidates without a voting record in public office. The association officially describes holders of that rating as, “A pro-gun candidate whose rating is based solely on the candidate’s responses to the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire and who does not have a voting record on Second Amendment issues.”

“Too many members of the U.S. Congress believe that the Second Amendment is merely a suggestion and not a hard-earned constitutional right,” Tuberville said in a statement.

“Whether it is for hunting, sport shooting, home defense, or simply because they want one, every law-abiding U.S. citizen has the right to own a gun, and I will go toe-to-toe with any lawmaker who tries to take away that freedom,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jones received a “D” from the NRA.

This rating indicates, “An anti-gun candidate who usually supports restrictive gun control legislation and opposes pro-gun reforms. Regardless of public statements, can usually be counted on to vote wrong on key issues.”

This comes after Jones’ maiden speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate in 2018 focused on gun control — or, as Jones likes to call it, “gun safety.”

National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson Paige Lindgren commented, “Since being elected, Anti-Trump Democrat Doug Jones has continued to oppose the conservative values Alabamians hold close. Tommy Tuberville has made it clear that he’s the only candidate that will defend Second Amendment rights and fight for Alabama’s conservative values.”

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn