Sen. Doug Jones launches reelection bid in Alabama

Democratic Sen. Doug Jones officially launched his reelection campaign in Alabama on Sunday, The Associated Press reported.

Two years after pulling off a surprise victory in the deep-red state, Jones will again seek to represent Alabama in 2020.

“The success of our state depends on engaging the power and the spirit and the intellect of our millions of citizens,” Jones told supporters in Birmingham, according to AP.

{mosads}“No matter the zip code you live in, your race, your religion, your disability, your economic status — no matter who you love — we all want to succeed in a world where no one, no one is left behind.”

Jones defeated Republican nominee Roy Moore in a 2017 special election precipitated by Jeff Sessions’s departure from the role to serve in the Trump administration.

That victory was helped by sexual misconduct allegations weighed against Moore.

Several women said Moore, in his 30s at the time, pursued romantic and sexual relationships with them when they were teens.

Moore has vehemently denied the allegations and is pursing the GOP nomination once more among a crowded field.

Jones faces a challenge for reelection, especially given that President Trump, who enjoys high popularity in Alabama, will also be on the ticket.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) slammed Jones following his announcement.

“Anti-Trump Democrat Doug Jones puts the interests of the most liberal and socialist members of his party ahead of his constituents,” said NRSC spokesman Nathan Brand in a statement.

“Rather than standing for the principles and priorities of Alabama families, Jones has pledged his support to the extreme candidates in his party running for president.”