Summary
- Nathaniel Ledbetter and 31 House Republicans endorse Marques.
- Rhett Marques runs for Alabama’s 1st Congressional District seat.
- Marques emphasizes conservative values and support for the Trump agenda.
- The district covers Baldwin, Coffee, Mobile counties and surrounding areas.
Following a strong day-one endorsement by U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), this marks yet another significant, early demonstration of in-state support for the Wiregrass politician.
“I am honored to have the support of so many of the men and women that I have worked with in the legislature,”
Marques (R-Enterprise) said.
“While President Trump was providing tax relief to Americans with the One Big Beautiful Bill, we were working on the state level in the Alabama legislature slashing the state tax on groceries, eliminating the state tax on diapers and baby supplies that are critical for young families, and implementing a substantial tax relief package providing relief for our seniors.”
The Enterprise Republican "has proven himself to be a strong conservative who always puts the needs of our state first," according to Speaker Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), who complimented Marques's time in the Alabama Legislature.
“He has helped deliver over $1.5 billion in tax cuts to the people of Alabama, supported our state’s economy through key workforce development initiatives, bolstered public safety by supporting law enforcement and fighting illegal immigration, and much more,”
Speaker Ledbetter said.
“His record speaks for itself, and while I certainly hate to lose him in the State Legislature, he is the exact kind of leader Alabama’s First Congressional District needs in Washington, D.C.”
Born and reared in Baldwin County, Marques has been a lifelong Republican. In the contest, he is forming a "Wiregrass-to-coast" coalition and currently serves as the representative for District 91.
Joshua McKee, a former U.S. Special Forces operator, and Jerry Carl, who is fighting for his former position after redistricting forced him out in 2024 to U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), are also in the contest.
Moore chose to run statewide for the U.S. Senate, leaving the seat available in the 2026 election cycle.
May 19, 2026, is the date of the Alabama Republican Party primary election.
What are Rhett Marques's main campaign issues and positions?
Marques emphasizes cutting taxes to relieve burdens caused by the last four years under President Biden’s administration, which he calls "failed economic policies."
He supported state-level tax cuts on groceries, eliminated state sales tax on diapers and baby supplies essential for young families, and backed a substantial tax relief package for seniors. As a small business owner, he stresses the importance of preserving the American Dream and promoting financial independence through hard work.
Represents a district with many veterans and has worked on initiatives such as building a state-of-the-art Veterans Home and facilitating occupational licensing reciprocity for military families.