On Tuesday, Alabama voters delivered a remarkable upset for the Republican Party, electing Democrat Doug Jones as the state's next senator. The landmark senatorial election flipped the decidedly red state blue for the first time in 25 years for a state senatorial election, delivering a dramatic defeat for ultra conservative Republican candidate Roy Moore.
Republican candidate Roy Moore, a self proclaimed birther, was the surprising winner of the Republican primary against opponent Luther Strange, despite his disturbing history of unapologetic racist, misogynistic and homophobic politics. The most significant blow to the campaign of the twice-removed former state judge came amid resurfaced allegations of sexual misconduct with underage girls. Despite all this, white voters in the state still voted overwhelmingly in favor of Moore, leaving it to black voters to clinch the victory for Jones.
If Alabama comes through for Jones, it'll be because Black people saved us. When will we learn in investing in these communities outside of elections?! #TrustBlackWomen
#AlabamaSenateElection— Linda Sarsour (@lsarsour) December 13, 2017
Despite rampant voter suppression and attempts to keep black and Latino voters away from the ballot box, the fam came through in the clutch.
Black folks elected Doug Jones. FYI. #AlabamaSenateElection
pic.twitter.com/CErgK6eOeI— deray (@deray) December 13, 2017
Preliminary election results released by The Washington Post revealed that black voters showed nearly unanimous support for Jones with a whopping 97 percent of black women showing up for the democratic candidate.
Note the 100% turnout of black women. Incredibly impressive.
— 43% Burnt chord (@petexnasty) December 13, 2017
Thank you, thank you black women, you are saving the soul of our nation #AlabamaSenateElection
— Reshma Saujani (@reshmasaujani) December 13, 2017
Jones won 30 percent of the overall white vote which, while not overwhelming, is a significant increase for a democratic Senate candidate in Alabama. Still, the nearly 65 percent of white women who voted for Moore, left many perplexed and some ashamed.
Me looking at my fellow white women who voted for Moore. pic.twitter.com/VI2MI9naPT
— Helen A. Handbasket (@RandJ712) December 13, 2017
I mean, where's the logic?
It's unreal (but also not) talking with fellow WW who voted for Trump/voted for Moore. It's always a "he's bad, BUT" argument. About abortion, the police . . . anything to preserve their power. Black women, once again, saved the day. White women have got to be better.
— C H E L S E A ???? (@cdisquick) December 13, 2017
While Jones made notable gains among educated white women, millennials and those with college degrees, the victory was undoubtedly owed to black Alabamians.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Black People????????
— judy (@heyjuder) December 13, 2017
And one more time for the people in the back.
97% of Black women & 92% of Black men voted for Doug Jones.
We're never the problem or been the reason why America has ever been held back politically.
Stop acting like y'all don't know who needs to get it together in these polls.#AlabamaSenateElection
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) December 13, 2017
Don't take this victory for granted. With our political power repeatedly and consistently validated, candidate accountability is key.
Y’all wanna thank black voters? Actively try and help eliminate voter suppression.
Fucking support black people. Defend black people.
Hold the people we voted for accountable and make sure they work for our needs too.
Protect black people.
We cannot be your saviors AND bodyguards— Is It Mardi Gras Yet? (@IfIWereMagneto) December 13, 2017
Roy Moore, who has yet to concede the election to Doug Jones, has requested a recount despite the fact that the states tally has him down by one and a half percentage points – a margin too great to warrant such a measure.
Meanwhile, senator-elect Doug Jones delivered his acceptance speech thanking African Americans for their part in his landmark victory.
