On Tuesday, December 12, the Democratic candidate Doug Jones won the Alabama Senate seat. This was an unexpected win, as Alabama has voted for the conservative party for the last 35 years. The Republican candidate, Roy Moore, lost the moderate conservative vote when he was accused of sexually assaulting teenage girls, one of whom was only 14-years-old.

Despite this scandal, Jones still only won by approximately 1 percent of the vote, and Moore is demanding a recount. Donald Trump, who was one of the few Republicans that endorsed Moore even after the scandal was revealed, wrote in his congratulatory tweet to Jones that Republicans "will have another shot at this seat in a very short period of time."

This could be a reference to Alabama's long history of Republican wins or a sign that he endorses Moore's demands for a recount.

This probably isn't cause for concern. The Alabama Secretary of State says that the recount will go ahead as long as Moore pays for it, but that it probably won't affect the outcome.If this is true, then the Republicans lead in the Senate will drop to 51-49, with only a two-seat advantage.

African-American voters turn the tide for Alabama

According to the Guardian, the Democratic party owes this victory to black voters. An incredible 96 percent of black voters voted for Jones, while he was approved by only 30 percent of white voters. The number of black voters makes sense, as Mr. Jones specifically set out to appeal to black voters during his campaign and is known for his persecution of the Klu Klux Klan members responsible for the 1963 bombing of a Baptist Church.

What's more surprising is that 68 percent of white voters were willing to overlook pedophilia and sexual assault to put a Republican in the Senate. Clearly, this victory wouldn't have occurred without the large turnout of black voters. This should raise questions about the effect strict voter id laws, which many believe are used to target people of color, has on our House and Senate.

Doug Jones will support Democrats while staying true to Alabama

Mr. Jones himself is a 63-year-old attorney who is best known for his work prosecuting two of the KKK member who blew up a church in 1963, killing four young black girls. He is also responsible for the indictment of the bomber responsible for the 1996 Olympics bombing. As for his political views, he plans on following Democratic policy in general, but he promises to work with Alabama's Republican Senator, Richard Shelby, to ensure the states best interest.
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