State Rep. Rhett Marques credited U.S. Sen. Katie Britt as a major force behind his primary win Tuesday night, saying he “would not be standing right here” without her support.

Marques (R-Enterprise) secured the Republican nomination for Alabama’s newly drawn 2nd Congressional District with 50% of the vote in a six-candidate field.

Addressing supporters after the victory, Marques first thanked President Donald Trump for giving his campaign a late boost with his endorsement before turning to Britt, who backed Marques early in his congressional bid.

“This all started with somebody we all know, and most of us all love, Katie Britt,” Marques said.

“Without Katie, without Senator Britt, rather, I promise you, and I can’t stress this enough, I would not be standing right here before you,” he continued. “But I’m standing here as your nominee.”

Britt had been one of Marques’ most prominent supporters well before Tuesday’s special primary. Her Alabama First leadership PAC contributed $10,000 to his campaign last year, and she later campaigned with Marques in Alabama.

Marques also called on Republicans who supported his opponents to unite behind his campaign.

“I want to ask those of you who voted for the other opponents in this race to come with us, to help us, to make sure that we win this district and make it red,” he said.

Marques will face Democratic U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures in the November general election.

Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].