Clyde Jones, a Daphne resident, community leader and decorated U.S. Army combat veteran, announced his campaign for Alabama’s First District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Jones, a Democrat, served 21 years in the U.S. Army, including tours in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Jones is also a recipient of the U.S. Army’s Bronze Star, which represents distinguished service in combat.

He cited the direction of the United States government as a reason for running, saying the people “need a viable choice in Congress.”

“We need someone who thinks that the people are more important than party or special interests and someone who wants to just be a civil servant and a public servant more than just focusing on party politics. Just someone who’s looking out for the welfare, the rights of the people of the First District,” Jones said. “I’m excited to have this opportunity to be that person, and I look forward to what’s to come.”

Jones is a graduate of Excelsior University in Albany, New York, and spent nearly two decades in business operations, safety and training working for DuPont, a multinational chemical manufacturing company. He has also been a nonprofit executive leader and community activist, having previously served as president of the board of directors for Alabama Arise and president of SEEDS, an educational enrichment nonprofit whose mission is focused on providing targeted financial support for Daphne's public schools. He is also the associate minister for Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Daphne, a role he said he cherishes for “the opportunity to open hearts and minds as well as provide much needed community leadership and support.”

If elected, Jones said he promises transparency as a government elected official and to “restore confidence in the federal government” while also addressing the rising cost of living, such as increased insurance costs.

Alabama’s First Congressional District seat is expected to be a contested race heading into the 2026 general election, as the newly redrawn district’s original representative, Republican U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, announced he would not seek re-election in favor of running for the U.S. Senate seat being left open by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor.

Primaries will be held on May 19, 2026, while the general election is set for Nov. 3, 2026. You do not have to declare a party when voting in the primaries, but you can only choose one party's primary to vote in.