HUD secretary Ben Carson is the latest pro-Trump figure to come out in opposition of the president’s candidate of choice in Alabama Senate race. | Matt Rourke/AP Photo Carson breaks with Trump, backs Moore for Alabama Senate seat

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson made a dramatic break with President Donald Trump on Friday, announcing his support for former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore in the Alabama Senate race.

Carson’s backing in the hotly contested runoff came just hours before Trump was set to hold a rally with Moore’s opponent, Sen. Luther Strange.


“Judge Moore is a fine man of proven character and integrity, who I have come to respect over the years,” Carson wrote in a statement. “I was delighted to hear he is running for the US Senate.”

Carson, a devout Christian who garnered strong support from the religious right during the 2016 Republican primaries, praised Moore for his “Judeo-Christian values.”

The HUD secretary is the latest pro-Trump figure to come out in opposition of the president’s candidate of choice in the race to replace Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Carson joined the likes of former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and former Trump aide Sebastian Gorka in backing Moore over Strange.

Trump endorsed Strange earlier this month and is set to rally alongside the senator in Montgomery, Alabama, later Friday.

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Earlier Thursday, Trump talked up the effect of his endorsement in the Senate race, which has seen Strange close in on Moore, despite the former chief of justice still leading in most projections.

"Will be in Alabama tonight. Luther Strange has gained mightily since my endorsement, but will be very close. He loves Alabama, and so do I!" Trump posted on Twitter.

Moore thanked Carson for his support in a tweet.

"I'm honored to have the support of a truly honorable and brilliant man, HUD Secretary @RealBenCarson," he wrote.

