Roy Moore: ‘Everybody knows I can win’

Roy Moore insists he can win a Senate race next year and will not be deterred by comments from President Trump and other Republicans discouraging him from running. 

The Alabama Republican told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday that establishment Republicans do not want him to challenge Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) in 2020 because “everybody knows I can win.”

{mosads}Moore and Jones faced off in a 2017 Senate special election to replace Jeff Sessions after he became attorney general. Jones upset Moore in red Alabama after the Republican’s campaign was marred by allegations of sexual misconduct toward minors when he was in his 30s. 

There has been talk, though, that Moore may be considering a rematch against Jones.

Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.), who launched his own Senate campaign in February, told The Hill on Tuesday he’s spoken to GOP sources close to Moore who said the former Alabama Supreme Court chief justice will announce his Senate bid in the coming days. Byrne expressed confidence that Moore would not win the Republican primary if he chooses to run.

On Wednesday morning, President Trump urged Moore not to run again.

“Republicans cannot allow themselves to again lose the Senate seat in the Great State of Alabama,” Trump, who backed Moore in 2017, tweeted. “I have NOTHING against Roy Moore, and unlike many other Republican leaders, wanted him to win. But he didn’t, and probably won’t.” 

“Roy Moore cannot win, and the consequences will be devastating….Judges and Supreme Court Justices,” he added.

…If Alabama does not elect a Republican to the Senate in 2020, many of the incredible gains that we have made during my Presidency may be lost, including our Pro-Life victories. Roy Moore cannot win, and the consequences will be devastating….Judges and Supreme Court Justices!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2019

Moore dismissed those remarks. 

“I think the President is coming under pressure from people in Washington scared I will run for the Senate, scared I will win and know I can win,” Moore told the AP. He added that the criticism will not sway his decision on whether to enter the race. 

Republicans are hoping to maintain their 53-47 majority in the Senate. Twenty-two GOP senators will be defending their seats, while only 12 Democrats are running for reelection.