Britt on Path to Senate After Winning Alabama GOP Nomination

Katie Britt defeated Rep. Mo Brooks and claimed the Republican Senate nomination in Alabama, putting her on a path to take the seat of her former boss, Richard Shelby.

Her primary runoff victory Tuesday in the deep-red state all but assures Britt’s election to the Senate. She’s heavily favored to win the general election against Democrat Will Boyd, a frequent candidate.

Britt, a 40-year-old lawyer and Alabama native, most recently headed the Business Council of Alabama and previously served as chief of staff to Shelby. The 36-year Senate veteran backed Britt after announcing his retirement last year.

Photographer: Andi Rice/Bloomberg

Katie Britt (R), seen here after finishing first in the May 24 primary, is heavily favored to win Alabama’s open Senate seat in November.

Political action committees aligned with Shelby and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) provided millions of dollars to pro-Britt super PACs, helping to ensure victory over Brooks. The congressman is a House Freedom Caucus founding member who’s criticized McConnell.

Super PACs spent an unprecedented amount in the state—nearly $30 million—on campaign ads during the primary and runoff campaigns.

Read More: McConnell Allies Boost Katie Britt in Alabama Senate Runoff

Britt also received last-minute support from former President Donald Trump, who endorsed her on June 10 after previously backing and then rescinding his support for Brooks. Britt welcomed Trump’s endorsement, saying she’d fight in the Senate “to advance the America First agenda.”

But Shelby discounted the effect of Trump’s endorsement in an interview ahead of the runoff, noting that Britt was already headed for victory.

“She’s going to win,” Shelby said.

With assistance from Nancy Ognanovich

To contact the reporter on this story: Kenneth P. Doyle in Washington at kdoyle@bgov.com

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Kyle Trygstad at ktrygstad@bloombergindustry.com; Andrew Small at asmall@bgov.com