North Alabama elects to send Mo Brooks back to Congress

By MIKE KELLEY

FOR THE RECORD

HUNTSVILLE —  United States Congressman Mo Brooks will again represent Alabama’s 5th congressional district in Washington, D.C., following his strong election victory over Democrat Peter Joffrion Tuesday night.

With returns showing Brooks with 55 percent of the vote as early as 9 p.m., the major TV networks began calling the race for Brooks. By the time results were finalized, Brooks had won with 52.96 percent of the vote. His acceptance speech and Joffrion’s concession followed shortly afterward.

Taking the stage to address a crowd estimated at more than 200 at his election night party at Huntsville’s Botanical Gardens, Brooks thanked his supporters for their efforts in what was expected to be a tight race.

“I want to thank you for all the hard work you have done and all your support,” he said.

Brooks outlined a five-point set of legislative priorities that included support to the free enterprise system, protecting second amendment rights, beefed up national security, stronger voter verification, and continued strong national defense.

“I hope that everyone in the fifth congressional district can get behind it and respect the rule of majority,” he said.

Brooks also added that he will continue to support our military and NASA presence here in North Alabama.

“We believe in space and NASA and the things they’ve done for our country in the last half-century and the things that they will do in the future as they embolden us to go where no one has gone before,” he said.

Over at the Jackson Center, a crowd estimated at nearly 250 swelled to well more than 300 soon afterward. But as the vote totals quickly turned against Joffrion, his supporters began leaving, their glum faces revealing their disappointment. Joffrion conceded, congratulating Brooks on his victory.

Asked to comment on his loss, Joffrion praised the high voter turnout and energy of his base, but conceded that “we did not get the Doug Jones support we expected. Had we gotten that core support, I think we would have won.”

Joffrion said he will take some time to rest and re-evaluate.  “I’m going to consider how to possibly serve the public in another capacity,” he said.