Carl Taps Burns to Lead AL-01 Campaign

Republican congressional candidate Jerry Carl announced Wednesday that veteran Alabama political operative Jack Burns will serve as the new campaign manager for his bid to return to Congress in Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.

Burns replaces Bradley Cox, who is leaving the campaign after accepting a position in the private sector. Cox managed Carl’s campaign through the May 19 Republican special primary, where Carl finished first with more than 41 percent of the vote.

“I’m happy to announce the addition of Jack to our team. He brings a wealth of experience and contacts to this role,” Carl said.

Carl also praised Cox for his work during the primary campaign.

“Bradley did an excellent job. Bradley helped lead me to a strong finish on May 19th with over 41% of the vote. Bradley has been a wonderful friend and great campaign manager. Jack will have very big shoes to fill. I am very happy for Bradley and wish him the best in his new role,” Carl said.

Cox said he was grateful for the opportunity to work on Carl’s campaign and expressed confidence in both Carl and Burns as the race moves toward the Aug. 11 special primary.

“Jerry Carl is one of the greatest men I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I am grateful for the opportunity and extremely proud of what we accomplished on May 19th.

“While I hate to leave a campaign before the job is finished, I have been offered and accepted an opportunity in the private sector. I have full faith in Jack to pick up the reins as Campaign Manager and in Jerry to finish this race strong and victorious.

“It has been an honor to be part of Team Carl, and I look forward to watching their continued success.”

Burns most recently served as campaign manager for Morgan Murphy’s U.S. Senate campaign before Murphy exited the race and later endorsed Carl’s congressional bid.

“Bradley did an excellent job for Jerry so far. He delivered a first-place finish on May 19th. I thank Bradley for his hard work and look forward to continuing that success to August 11th,” Burns said.

Burns said he is eager to help Carl advance to Washington.

“I am excited to join the team and help ensure a strong conservative leader gets sent to Washington,” Burns said. “Jerry has done tremendous work for Alabama’s First Congressional District and I look forward to seeing him return to DC.”

Carl previously represented Alabama’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House from 2021 until 2025. The Mobile businessman is seeking a return to Congress in the special election cycle triggered by Alabama’s congressional redistricting changes and the resulting vacancy in the district.

His campaign has focused on border security, economic growth, energy production, and what it describes as an America First conservative agenda.

The Republican special primary for Alabama’s 1st Congressional District is scheduled for Aug. 11, with no runoff. The Alabama general election will be held Nov. 3.

For more information on Jerry Carl and his campaign, visit https://jerrycarlforcongress.com.