Sen.-elect Doug Jones said Thursday that it’s time Roy Moore concede the race for the people of Alabama.
“I think he would do well to [concede]. Let’s go ahead, let’s get this behind us so the people of Alabama can get someone in there and start working for them,” Mr. Jones, Alabama Democrat said on NBC News.
Mr. Jones won a surprising victory on Tuesday in the deep-red state of Alabama. Mr. Moore, the Republican candidate, was accused of pursuing sexual relationships with teenagers as an adult. He denied the allegations, but they likely played a crucial role in his defeat.
Mr. Moore has yet to officially concede the race, but Mr. Jones led the latest vote count with about 20,000 votes.
The Republican said he will not step aside until every vote in the race has been counted because “the heart and soul of our country is at stake.”
“In this race, we have not received the final count to include military and provisional ballots. This has been a very close race, and we are awaiting certification of the secretary of state,” Mr. Moore said in a video statement.
“Every race is tough. It’s bitter sometimes. I think this was one that the people of Alabama have now spoken a little bit, and they’ve decided to heal,” Mr. Jones said.
SEE ALSO: Doug Jones leaves future Senate colleagues guessing on what to expect
He said that just because he’s a Democrat doesn’t mean he’ll automatically vote against President Trump on every issue.
“If the president has things on his agenda that I think are good for the people of Alabama, then I’m absolutely going to work with him,” Mr. Jones said.
• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
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