Doug Jones Wins Alabama Senate Race; Lorain Officials React

AVON LAKE, OH — Lorain County politicians are mostly celebrating the defeat of Republican Roy Moore, by Democrat Doug Jones, in an Alabama Senate Race that was decided Tuesday night. While Moore refuses to concede the race, many officials are already Jones' victory as a major one for the Democratic Party.

“Congratulations to Senator-elect Doug Jones, and the citizens of Alabama, on their hard-fought victory for the future of Alabama and our nation," said Representative Marcy Kaptur, of Ohio's 9th district. “His distinguished career as a reasoned and passionate voice for justice and the rule of law will well serve America’s highest aspirations. His election will help blot out the vitriol, prejudice and hate that underlaid this race and must be cleansed from our body politic.”

Kaptur is the longest serving woman in Congress and represents much of Lorain County. Her sentiments were echoed by Lorain's State Representative Dan Ramos.

"Congrats to the people of #Alabama on electing @GDouglasJones and turning on the failed policies of @realDonaldTrump - Good riddance to Roy @MooreSenate , his pedophilia, racism, homophobia, antisemitism, and the horse he rode in on," Ramos said on Twitter.

Other Ohio politicians, like Senator Sherrod Brown, also congratulated Jones on his victory and welcomed him to the Senate. Even Republican Governor John Kasich, who has often found himself at odds with the administration of President Donald Trump, took to social media to congratulate Alabama and Jones.

"Thankfully, today enough Republicans chose country over party. Tomorrow we must redouble our efforts to support candidates worthy of the office they seek," Kasich wrote.

Jones' victory means he will be the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Alabama since 1992. Jones will fulfill the term of former Senator Jeff Sessions, which means he will serve until at least Jan. 3, 2021.

"I am truly overwhelmed," Jones said at a victory celebration. "We have shown the country the way that we can be unified. The people of Alabama have spoken. This campaign has never been about me. It has never been about Roy Moore, it has been about the people of Alabama. This campaign was about finding common ground, and getting things done for the people."

Photo of Doug Jones rally by Michael Seale, Patch