Poll: Roy Moore Leads Republicans to Unseat Democrat Doug Jones

Former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore leads amongst potential Republican challengers to Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL), according to a poll released Tuesday. Jones beat Moore in a contentious 2017 Senate special election.

Moore leads Republican challengers by nearly double-digits with 27 percent of the vote, according to a poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy.

Fifty percent of Alabama registered voters said that they would like to replace Jones with a Republican. while 40 percent said that want Jones re-elected, and ten percent remain unsure about a second term for the Alabama Democrat.

Alabama voters have mixed feelings about Sen. Jones: 45 percent said they approve of Jones’ job performance, while 44 disapprove, and 11 percent remain unsure.

Moore has the highest positive name recognition amongst Alabama Republicans at 34 percent, followed by Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) at 27 percent, and Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL) at 25 percent.

After Moore, three congressmen trail the former Alabama Supreme Court justice. Brooks lands at 18 percent, with Byrne at 13 percent, and Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL) at 11 percent.

Moore also holds a net positive approval rating in the state, with 34 percent of Alabama voters who approve of him and 29 percent who view him unfavorably.

Out of all the potential Republican challengers, only Rep. Byrne has announced his candidacy. Moore has signaled his interest in running again, and the Mason-Dixon poll might help him decide whether to do so.

In February, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) said in February that they would prefer any Republican candidate but Moore. The NRSC declined to support Moore’s 2017 Senate campaign after allegations emerged of ossible sexual misconduct.

“The NRSC’s official stance is ABRM: anyone but Roy Moore,” said Kevin McLaughlin, the NRSC’s executive director. “The only thing Doug Jones and I agree on is that his only prayer for electoral success in 2020 is a rematch with Roy Moore.”