President Trump endorsed former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl and State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) in Alabama’s two open congressional primary races today, giving both candidates his “Complete and Total Endorsement” ahead of the August 11 special primary.

Trump called Carl “an incredible Voice for MAGA” who “has been with me from the very beginning” in the 1st Congressional District race. He described Marques as “an America First Patriot” who is “strongly supported by many of the Greatest MAGA Warriors in Alabama, including my friend, U.S. Senator Katie Britt.”

Carl represented Alabama’s 1st Congressional District from 2021 to 2025 before losing his seat in a rare incumbent-versus-incumbent primary against U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) after a court-ordered redistricting reshaped the district in 2024. He launched a comeback bid after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the Alabama Legislature’s redrawn map this year.

“I am incredibly honored to receive the official endorsement of President Donald J. Trump,” Carl wrote on X. “His commitment to putting America First is exactly what our country needs, and I am proud to stand with him in this fight. I will never let you down!”

Marques leads the six-candidate AL-02 GOP field with 30% in an early poll, though 42% of likely voters remain undecided. He already carries endorsements from U.S. Senator Katie Britt, Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, the Alabama Farmers Federation, and the Alabama Forestry Association.

Both special primaries were called by Governor Ivey after the Supreme Court cleared the Legislature’s redrawn congressional map.

There is no runoff. Carl will face the Democratic nominee in AL-01, while the AL-02 winner faces Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) in November.

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