Doug Jones Is Sworn In As Junior Senator From Alabama

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Doug Jones today was sworn in as the Junior Senator from Alabama on the floor of the Senate in the United States Capitol. Jones becomes the first Democrat to represent Alabama since Howell Heflin retired in 1997.

"I am humbled and honored to stand here today, chosen by the people of Alabama to represent our state in this historic institution," said Jones in a statement. "I will work every day to make sure I hear their voices and that their voices are heard in Washington. It is time to come together and rebuild the trust we need to find common ground and expand opportunity for all."

Jones made an improbable run to the Senate, defeating Republican Roy Moore, who refused to concede the election to Jones, and tried to block the certification of the election with a lawsuit claiming voter fraud.

What was thought to be impossible in the deep red state of Alabama became possible with the help of a few metrics. One, strong African-American voter turnout helped Jones, and large support from suburban voters.
DNC Chairman Tom Perez echoed these sentiments in a story in The Washington Post, highlighting a $1 million investment in campaign efforts geared toward boosting millennial and black voter turnout that was not advertised until the election was won. The Post story says, "That was just one of the efforts that paid off for Democrats in Alabama, where new third-party groups including Woke Vote and BlackPAC engaged in weeks of voter persuasion and targeted messages."

"Let me be clear: We won in Alabama and Virginia because black women led us to victory," said Perez. "Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party, and we can't take that for granted. Period." As well, more than 60 percent of voters between 18 and 29 years old voted for Jones, which was another goal of the DNC strategy.

Reports show that 92 percent of black men voted for Jones, while a whopping 97 percent of black women voted for Jones. Keeping black voters involved in the political process is a vital strategy in strengthening the Democratic party in Alabama, experts say. Jones' victory Tuesday night was evidence of that. Many Alabama Democratic leaders have praised the black population, and black women in particular, for their role in the victory.

Jones has said he wants to serve the people of Alabama by working across party lines and making sure all of the people of Alabama's best interests are addressed.

Photo courtesy of Doug Jones Staff