Democrats Everett Wess and Dakarai Lariett to face off in Alabama Senate runoff

Two Democrats running to replace Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., are set to face each other for the Democratic nomination next month.

Tuberville’s decision to leave his Senate seat and run for governor in Alabama set off a scramble by both parties to find his replacement.

While several Republicans with elected experience sought the job, the Democratic field consisted of candidates new to politics. Everett Wess and Dakarai Lariett were the top vote getters in the race, and due to Alabama's runoff rules, will meet again on June 16.

The two candidates, neither of whom has held elected office before, came out of a four-way primary in deep red Alabama.

Although the state has had Republican representation in the Senate for decades, except for former Sen. Doug Jones's, D-Ala., term after he won a special election in 2017, Democrats still hope to make gains there.

Given the Republican Party’s long hold on the state, it will be an uphill battle in November.

Republicans moved closer to selecting their successor to Tuberville on Tuesday night.

Determining which candidate will win is still weeks away, since several Republican hopefuls entered the race. In Alabama, if a candidate does not receive a majority of votes, a runoff is held.

Out of seven candidates, Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., and Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall advanced. They will meet again on June 16.

It will also test President Donald Trump’s endorsement power in Alabama, where his record has not been perfect.

Moore, who announced his candidacy to Fox News Digital last year, has Trump’s support. Trump renewed the endorsement during a recent tele-rally urging support for the three-term House member.

"He’s a true America First Patriot who’s been with me from the very beginning," Trump said during the rally.