Alabama’s deeply rooted Republican ideals led people to believe that Doug Jones could never win against Roy Moore in the Alabama Senate election. The election has received a lot of attention due to the fact that Roy Moore was accused of pursuing relations with teenage girls when he was an adult. This election has become a critical turning point in the #MeToo movement and also comes in a time of extreme division between parties.
Moore has been known for his extreme right wing views and controversial ideals and comments. He has been accounted for saying controversial comments about the Islamic faith and same-sex marriage according to The New York Time and The Washington Post. According to The Washington Post in 2005 Moore stated that, “homosexuality should be illegal” (but clarified that he doesn’t think gays should be killed).
Moore is a controversial man but he still had a spot in the running for the senate position. Multiple womens’ accusations of sexual assault came into the limelight during the end of the race and many voters had to take that into consideration. The large number of black voters in Alabama is what The New York Times credits as what gave way to Doug Jones winning the senate election. Multiple news sources see this as a turning point election and the power of voting.
The New York Times said, “Amid the Democrats’ celebration over their success in turning out a huge number of black voters in the Senate election in Alabama, party leaders, activists and operatives are seeing a vivid message to increase outreach, mobilization and investment in minority communities.”