US primaries: Why Donald Trump’s rejection was good news for Rep. Mo Brooks

Mo Brooks, currently a member of the House of Representatives, has been riding an electoral rollercoaster this year. His bid for the United States Senate was previously based on former President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Not anymore.

Mo Brooks is now the leading US Senate candidate in the Republican primary race in Alabama, a seat being vacated by Richard Shelby. He is running against Katie Boyd Britt, Shelby’s former chief of staff; and Mike Durant, an aerospace company owner.

Also Read: US primaries: In Georgia, a proxy war between Trump and Pence

Trump initially rolled out his support for Mo Brooks when he announced his bid for the US Senate seat from Alabama. However, Brooks was later left for dead by the former President. Brooks said Trump was trying to get him to illegally rescind the election.

Brooks was one of the many lawmakers who supported Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential elections, Associated Press reported.

But now, Brooks has once again surged in popularity just days before the elections in Alabama. Recent polls show that Brooks has taken over Mike Durant and is now in the second spot, not far behind Katie Boyd Britt.

Also Read: Brian Kemp or David Perdue? Georgia may be en route to runoff elections

What could this mean?

If Brooks is able to maintain his uphill climb in the Alabama polls later this month, he may be able to trigger runoff elections if not sweep the polls. Alabama’s electoral law requires a round of runoff elections when no candidate is able to secure more than 50% of the seats. The runoff elections will be held on June 21, if needed.

Former President Donald Trump currently has not placed any bets on GOP’s Alabama primary elections. The remaining two candidates — Katie Boyd Britt and Mike Durant — have maintained they are the superior choice for Trump’s backing if the race goes to a runoff.