MONTGOMERY, Ala., June 14 — Former Auburn University head football coach Tommy Tuberville, who received an early endorsement from the Alabama Farmers Federation’s FarmPAC, won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in today’s runoff election. 

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said Tuberville understands the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy and worked hard to earn the support of farmers.

“Coach Tuberville traveled the state visiting with farm families and listening to their concerns,” Parnell said. “He has consistently shown a commitment to work on issues that impact rural Alabama. Coach Tuberville will be a strong voice in Washington and will build on the conservative policies of the Trump administration.”

In his acceptance speech, Tuberville praised farmers and thanked the Federation for its support. 

“You know, I’ve stood in the field with farmers putting their crops in back in planting season, a month ago,” Tuberville said. “And they’re not only planting that crop to feed their family, but they’re planting that crop to feed our families. It’s important we understand that. I want to thank Alfa for their support. They’ve been huge.”

Tuberville defeated former senator and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who sought to reclaim his old seat. The political newcomer will face Democratic incumbent Doug Jones in the Nov. 3 general election.

In the only other statewide race, Judge Beth Kellum was re-elected to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2. Kellum grew up on a Tuscaloosa County farm and was endorsed by FarmPAC. 

Republican voters in Alabama’s 1st Congressional District picked FarmPAC-endorsed candidate Jerry Carl to fill the open seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne. Carl, who serves as Mobile County Commission president, defeated former Alabama State Senator Bill Hightower.

On the other side of the state, former State Rep. Barry Moore upset Dothan businessman Jeff Coleman in the 2nd Congressional District. Coleman, who led primary voting, was endorsed by FarmPAC for the open seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Martha Roby.