Lavender Ends Senate Bid, Endorses Everett Wess

Lamont Lavender has ended his bid for the U.S. Senate and thrown his support behind Democratic nominee Everett Wess, bringing the two former rivals together ahead of Alabama's November general election.

Lavender announced his support for Wess in a statement posted on social media, saying his decision was about putting the state ahead of his own campaign.

"Leadership is bigger than one campaign; it’s about putting Alabama first. I’m proud to endorse Everett Wess and stand with his campaign as we continue fighting for People, Progress, and Purpose. Today, we unite behind a shared commitment to stronger communities, greater opportunities, and leadership that listens to the people."

Wess welcomed Lavender and his supporters to the campaign, while pointing to the cost of living as a key issue in the Senate race.

“I am happy to have Mr. Lavender, and his supporters join our team as we work to make Alabama more affordable and lower the costs of gas, groceries, and prescription drugs.”

Lavender, a military combat veteran from Eutaw, had focused his campaign on the cost of living, jobs, education, veterans, crime and access to health care. His campaign biography says his military service shaped his views on leadership and public service.

Wess, a Birmingham attorney, secured the Democratic nomination after defeating Dakarai Larriett in the June 16 runoff. Wess had finished first in the May 19 Democratic primary, but failed to win a majority, forcing the runoff with Larriett.

The Democratic nominee has leaned heavily on his Alabama roots and decades of legal and civic work during the campaign. Wess earned degrees from Selma University, Alabama A&M University and the Birmingham School of Law. Before entering law, he worked in software engineering and defense technology, including work tied to Army missile systems and NASA payload systems in Huntsville.

Wess has practiced law in Alabama for nearly 26 years. His background also includes service as a municipal judge in Midfield, a public defender in Irondale and an appointed special circuit and district court judge in Jefferson County. He has also held leadership posts with the Alabama New South Coalition and the Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee.

"The people of Alabama deserve a United States Senator who understands our communities, our struggles, our values, and our future because he has lived it," Wess said earlier this year.

Lavender's endorsement now gives Wess the backing of a former contender as Democrats turn their attention toward November and the fight for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who chose to run for Governor rather than seek another term.