Jerry Carl Announces Bid to Reclaim Alabama’s First Congressional District Seat

MOBILE, AL – BuzzReport – Former U.S. Congressman Jerry Carl has officially declared his intention to run for his old seat in Alabama’s First Congressional District, setting the stage for a determined bid to return to Capitol Hill.

Carl, who previously represented District 1 from 2021 to 2025, made the announcement today, signaling an early start to what is expected to be a competitive race for the May 2026 primary.

His decision represents a significant political move, coming after his defeat in November 2024 for the very same District 1 seat. Carl’s previous tenure concluded when he was unseated by current Congressman Barry Moore, a outcome influenced by the redraw of Alabama’s congressional districts.

However, the political landscape has shifted once more, presenting Carl with a unique opportunity. Congressman Barry Moore is not seeking re-election to the District 1 seat, opting instead to run for U.S. Senate in Alabama. This creates an open-seat contest, bypassing a direct rematch for Carl and potentially clearing a path for his comeback.

Carl’s early entry into the race positions him as a prominent contender, leveraging his prior experience and name recognition within the district. As the 2026 primary looms nearly two years away, his announcement kickstarts what promises to be an extensive campaign season for one of Alabama’s key congressional positions.