Rep.-elect Jerry Carl (R-Ala.-01)

Date of birth: June 17, 1958
Residence: Mobile, Ala.
Occupation: Mobile County commissioner
Education: attended Lake City Community College
Family: wife, Tina; three children.

Jerry Carl is headed to the House after defeating James Averhart (D), a retired U.S. Marine, to succeed Rep. Bradley Byrne (R) following Byrne’s decision to not seek reelection in favor of mounting a campaign for the Republican Alabama Senate primary, which Byrne lost to Tommy Tuberville in March.

Carl is president of the Mobile County Commission, representing District 3, and also serves as deacon of the Luke 4:18 Fellowship in Mobile, Ala., where he was born and raised. He ran for congress with the support of business groups, including the local Chamber of Commerce, as well as garnering Byrne’s endorsement. He faced opposition from the right-leaning Club for Growth during a contentious primary bid against former state Sen. Bill Hightower (R).

Outside of state politics, Carl has also started a number of businesses ranging from the sale of medical supplies to timber and describes himself as an avid hunter.

– John Bowden