Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com

Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore on Tuesday defeated incumbent Luther Strange to claim the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat once held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

The Associated Press projected Moore's victory shortly after the Senate Leadership Fund, which strongly supported Strange, conceded the race.

"Senator Strange can hold his head high knowing that he played a critical role in cleaning up the corruption in Montgomery, confirming President Trump's choice for the Supreme Court, and strongly supporting the President's priorities on border security and repealing Obamacare. While we were honored to have fought hard for Big Luther, Judge Roy Moore won this nomination fair and square and he has our support, as it is vital that we keep this seat in Republican hands" the SLF statement read.

Moore, twice removed from office as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court for defying court orders, will face Democrat Doug Jones, a former U.S. Attorney, in the Dec. 12 general election.

Refresh for live updates:

Don't Edit

Roy Moore: "I certainly support President Trump's agenda." pic.twitter.com/kz6lYXXRSw — Fox News (@FoxNews) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Julie Bennett

'Alabama understands what I stand for'

Moore told Fox and Friends Wednesday morning he received a call from Trump. He says he beat Strange because people in Alabama "understand what I stand for."

Don't Edit

J. Scott Applewhite

Did Alabama influence Corker?

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., announced he was retiring the same day Moore defeated Strange. What influence did the Alabama Senate runoff have on his decision?

Don't Edit

Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com

What they're saying nationally

Roy Moore - the twice-suspended former Alabama Chief Justice known as the "10 Commandments Judge" - handily defeated Luther Strange Tuesday in a GOP runoff that pitted Washington outsiders against the White House. The race has garnered national attention as President Trump endorsed and made a personal appearance on behalf of Strange. Here's what they are saying about Moore, Strange and the (remote) possibility Democrat Doug Jones could turn Alabama blue.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

J.D. Crowe | jdcrowe@al.com

J.D. Crowe's 'Judgment Day' for Strange

AL.com's J.D. Crowe looks at what might have sunk Strange.

Don't Edit

Spoke to Roy Moore of Alabama last night for the first time. Sounds like a really great guy who ran a fantastic race. He will help to #MAGA! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

'Trump must reconcile being the president who promised to "drain the swamp" yet campaigned alongside Strange' #alsen https://t.co/0AEWMupmBm — Jeremy Gray (@jgray78) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Moore's acceptance speech

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Trump deletes pro-Luther Strange tweets https://t.co/dRNiVaCseU — Leada Gore (@LeadaGore) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

John Sharp | jsharp@al.com

76 days until the general election

Moore will face Democrat Doug Jones on Dec. 12. Does the former U.S. Attorney have a shot?

"A Democrat hasn't won a statewide election since 2008, and hasn't won a U.S. Senate race since 1992," John Sharp writes. "But typical political beliefs, observers note, could be out the window for the next 2-1/2 months as the national attention shifts toward a Dec. 12 general election pitting two opponents with striking differences in personality and biography."

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Congratulations Roy Moore! We are thrilled you ran on the #MAGA agenda & we are for you! — Mike Pence (@mike_pence) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

"I will fight for the people of this state and of this nation who want to bring our country back to its greatness," Moore says after win. pic.twitter.com/dh1poqlVLr — CBS News (@CBSNews) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Roy Moore victory speech We're live with the new Republican nominee for Alabama's U.S. Senate seat - Roy Moore. Posted by Reckon by AL.com on Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Steve Bannon takes stage for Moore

Don't Edit

Voting is a sacred right. Thanks to all who voted and to @lutherstrange and @MooreSenate for their willingness to serve. pic.twitter.com/xi4Kv9MACk — Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

If it hasn't settled in yet, take a few minutes to meet Alabama's GOP nominee for US Senate, Roy Moore. https://t.co/lhNj5O0aRk — Kyle Whitmire (@WarOnDumb) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Crowd at Roy Moore event singing "How Great Thou Art" #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/uY3dO6dLEt — Mike Cason (@MikeCasonAL) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Strange says of course Trump will be criticized for endorsing him "but that's what friends do." #MooreStrange — Howard Koplowitz (@HowardKoplowitz) September 27, 2017

Strange: "I'm not going to lose sleep tonight. We did the right thing. We did it the right way." #MooreStrange — Howard Koplowitz (@HowardKoplowitz) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Luther Strange concession speech from Homewood. Posted by al.com on Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Bob Gathany | bgathany@al.com

Strange congratulates Moore

Statement from Sen. Strange: "From the beginning of this campaign, my priority has been serving the people of Alabama. Tomorrow I will go back to work with President Trump and do all I can to advance his agenda over the next few weeks. Melissa and I appreciate the many devoted friends and family who have supported us over the past months, the many Alabamians who have given us a warm welcome in every corner of the state, and the brigade of volunteers who left it all out on the field in this campaign. I am especially grateful for the support of President Trump and Vice President Pence, as well as the strong example set by my friends Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions. I congratulate Roy Moore on the result this evening. May God be with him and may God continue to bless Alabama and the United States of America."

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Paul Gattis | pgattis@al.com

Doug Jones looks to Dec. 12

Democratic nominee Doug Jones tonight issued this statement: "Even though I was not on the ballot today, our campaign has been building momentum for weeks with hundreds of volunteers signing up to join our effort, Republicans reaching out to us throughout the state, and our campaign just finishing our strongest week of fundraising.

"We started our general election campaign more than a month ago and are seeing increased energy moving toward December 12."

Don't Edit

ALGOP pledges to back Moore

"Congratulations to Judge Roy Moore on his victory as the Republican nominee for the United States Senate," a statement from the Alabama Republican Party tonight read. "The GOP voters have spoken and made their choice clear in this election. The Alabama Republican Party fully supports Roy Moore as our U.S. Senate nominee. We will put our full forces and large infrastructure behind Judge Moore as we focus on winning the general election. The seat that Jeff Sessions held so honorably for twenty years will continue to be a Republican seat."

Don't Edit

Well that about sums up the night. https://t.co/Yk8izU3QE3 — John Archibald (@JohnArchibald) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

This night may well write the epitaph for Luther Strange's political career. — John Archibald (@JohnArchibald) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

With 100% of Limestone County in, Luther Strange looks finished. Most of the Mo Brooks voters migrated to Moore. — Challen Stephens (@ChallenStephens) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

#pollwatching: Montgomery Co looks to be a close call for #ALSEN - @ nearly 40% reporting it's anyone's game @wsfa12news — Jenn Horton (@JennWSFA) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Strange has a strong but very early lead in Jefferson County, up 64 to 36 there. He'd need that one to hold like that. #ALSEN — Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Roy Moore polling strong in Limestone County, which went for Mo Brooks in Aug. 15 primary. #ALSEN #MooreStrange — John Sharp (@JohnSharp99) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Mood is cautious but optimistic, subdued at Luther Strange's election party in Homewood. #MooreStrange — Howard Koplowitz (@HowardKoplowitz) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Two of Brooks' best counties, Limestone & Morgan (in north), are moving towards Moore (red). Trump was just in the area for Strange. #ALSEN pic.twitter.com/WosiNOcTo0 — J. Miles Coleman (@JMilesColeman) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Strange party in Homewood starting to fill. Jeff Sessions on Fox News on the TV, Avicii playing. #MooreStrange pic.twitter.com/RmyE4izuR2 — Howard Koplowitz (@HowardKoplowitz) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Roy Moore working the crowd at election night event in Montgomery. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/DkpN2qXQ8l — Mike Cason (@MikeCasonAL) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Former Alabama running back Siran Stacy now speaking at Roy Moore event. Calls for praising the name of Jesus. #alpolitics — Mike Cason (@MikeCasonAL) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Hanging out at Democrat Doug Jones Senate HQ where media are sequestered away from GOP runoff watch party. pic.twitter.com/ifLEtkUusT — Paul Gattis (@paul_gattis) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Prayer offered at Roy Moore event included description of judge as "someone who will never take bribe." #alpolitics #ALSEN — Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

I'm following results tonight with the @nytimes live page, which did top-of-the-shelf work Aug. 15. https://t.co/HZ6NfNWWN6 #ALSEN — Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Julie Bennett

Moore arrives at watch party

Roy Moore hasn't come out to speak yet at campaign event in Montgomery, although he is here. Also told Steve Bannon will be here.#alpolitics — Mike Cason (@MikeCasonAL) September 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Waiting on election results at Sen. Luther Strange watch party in Homewood. pic.twitter.com/aelRb34Iit — Joe Songer (@JoeSonger22) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Roy Moore arrives at the RSA Activity Center. pic.twitter.com/sa7LXVJsyz — Vince Hodges (@WSFA12DESK) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Brynn Anderson

Moore hopes to make a big step

"A Moore victory would mark a steady rise in his political fortunes since April, when a special Alabama Supreme Court upheld his suspensionfrom the chief justice post for directing probate judges to enforce the state ban on same-sex marriage. Moore also lost his job as chief justice in 2003, when he refused a federal court order to remove a Ten Commandments monument he placed in the state judicial building."

Don't Edit

#ALSen polls close in 20 mins. In primary Moore (green) came in first place, ahead of Strange (blue). Brooks (red) squeezed out of runoff. pic.twitter.com/FYjzogyHGM — J. Miles Coleman (@JMilesColeman) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Moore will likely capture most rural counties; question is how he does relative to Strange in the larger ones. #ALSEN — Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Bob Gathany | bgathany@al.com

'Maybe I made a mistake'

A report in Politico said Trump told conservative activists who visited the White House Monday night he'd underestimated Moore. Trump reportedly polled attendees at a meeting on who they thought would win the Alabama Republican primary and how the White House would deal with a Moore win.

Don't Edit

Moore campaign leader Bill Armistead says Steve Bannon will be at Moore event in Montgomery tonight. #alpolitics — Mike Cason (@MikeCasonAL) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Gas stop attendant Larry hasn't ever voted in a Senate election. "Can't fix Wilcox broken," he said. "Ain't much point." #ALsen pic.twitter.com/ceSVPXhH7B — Christopher Harress (@Charress) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

#ALSEN voters we spoke with today said Trump was at best a minor part of their decision. (Consciously, anyway.) https://t.co/Y0t0jpXze3 — Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

The owner of this mini mart gas stop in rural Wilcox County, a mostly poor, black region, didn't vote today. He's waiting for Doug Jones. pic.twitter.com/Y1dcop6p3j — Christopher Harress (@Charress) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Large police presence at Moore Camp due to Steve Bannon appearance scheduled for later tonight, per Moore team @wsfa12news pic.twitter.com/Imr5dW2V14 — Jenn Horton (@JennWSFA) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Mike Brantley

Watching the race in Monroeville

The Washington Examiner observed today's primary runoff in the hometown of Harper Lee. "Lucy Collinson is one of the voters that hasn't made up her mind A volunteer at the immaculately preserved courthouse she agrees with both Luther Strange and Roy Moore. "I hate to say this," she says as we climb to the courtroom on the second story, "but I'm still divided."

Don't Edit

1,400 and 1,500 voted at Helena poll by 6pm That's low. Man says "look at what we've got to choose between" pic.twitter.com/PHpGT4NiuK — Kent Faulk (@krfaulk) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

.@SenatorStrange was appointed to fill the AL seat temporarily, but he's facing a challenge for the GOP nomination. Chip Reid with more. pic.twitter.com/tjJ0hKhWiU — CBS News (@CBSNews) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

@aldotcom As of 4:48 pm the poll at Legion Field - one of Birmingham's largest polls - had 15 ballots cast all day. pic.twitter.com/OBvxT6THvg — Kent Faulk (@krfaulk) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

This was the Aug. 15 GOP map in #ALSEN. 10 biggest counties are Jefferson, Mobile, Madison, Montgomery, Shelby . . . (1) #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/6T6vAS2As1 — Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Media already in place for Roy Moore election night event in Montgomery. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/60c9Ssw7bL — Mike Cason (@MikeCasonAL) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Bob Gathany | bgathany@al.com

'Trump needs you NOW!'

From The Associated Press: "Sen. Luther Strange is urging voters to get the polls in Alabama's heated GOP runoff for the Senate seat.

"President Donald Trump needs you NOW!" the campaign wrote in a Tuesday message that was emailed to supporters at midday. The campaign urged people to get to the polls before they close at 7 p.m.

His campaign has emphasized his endorsement from Trump.

Strange voted early Tuesday morning in the race where he faces former state chief justice Roy Moore. Strange then greeted breakfast diners at nearby restaurants."

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

John Archibald | jarchibald@al.com

Crossover voters threatened with arrest

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill today said he has received at least two complaints about attempted crossover voting as people who voted in the Democratic primary sought to cast ballots in the GOP runoff. Voting in a party primary and switching to vote in another party's runoff amounts to voter fraud, and those who attempt to vote - or poll workers who allow them to do it - could face up to a year and a day in prison, he said.

Don't Edit

The judge and Sundance

Moore once again rode a horse, this time Sundance rather than Sassy, as he went to vote at the Gallant Volunteer Fire Department.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Hello from Alabama, where polls in Roy Moore v. Luther Strange close at 7 p.m. CT, and @jmartNYT & @alexburnsNYT are also on the ground. — Alan Blinder (@alanblinder) September 26, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Bob Gathany | bgathany@al.com

More AL.com coverage of the Senate runoff

Trump began the day with a tweet reinforcing his support for Strange and bragging about the influence of his endorsement. "Luther Strange has been shooting up in the Alabama polls since my endorsement. Finish the job - vote today for "Big Luther," Trump tweeted about an hour before polls were to open.

Don't Edit

Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com

Pence in Alabama

Vice President Mike Pence made campaign stops in Alabama on Monday. "Our president needs Luther Strange back in the United States Senate so he can finish the job," Pence told a crowd of about 450 people at the HealthSouth Aviation hangar at the Birmingham airport. "I know Sen. Luther Strange will be there for our president, because he's already been there."

Don't Edit

Carolyn Kaster

Bannon and Duck Dynasty

Stephen Bannon, the former White House chief strategist under Trump, on Monday praised Moore, and criticized McConnell and Strange, whose campaign has been financially backed by the Senate leader's political action committee. "Judge Roy Moore is a good man," Bannon said. "He's a courageous man. Most importantly, he's a righteous man."

Don't Edit

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

What's at stake for McConnell?

"Almost nobody has more at stake in Alabama's Republican U.S. Senate race than Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who could see his tenuous majority upended by an uncompromising conservative who campaigned against the GOP leader," The Washington Post reported. "If Moore wins, McConnell will have to work with a senator who has called for him to step down and who has built his brand around a willingness to upset political order -- a threat to the routine of the Senate, which runs on unanimous consent and precedent."