Barry Moore

Felix Barry Moore is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Alabama's 1st congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Moore has been in office since 2021 and is set to continue his term until January 3, 2027. His political career includes previous service in the Alabama House of Representatives, where he represented the 91st district from 2010 to 2018. Moore's legislative focus and actions have been shaped by his background in business and agriculture, as well as his experiences in state and national politics.

Early life and career

Barry Moore was born on September 26, 1966, in Coffee County, Alabama. He spent his formative years on a farm in the region, which likely influenced his later focus on agricultural issues. Moore pursued higher education at Enterprise State Community College before transferring to Auburn University. At Auburn, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural science in 1992. During his time at university, he also enlisted in the Alabama National Guard, demonstrating a commitment to public service and community involvement.

Following his education, Moore entered the business world by founding Barry Moore Industries, a waste hauling company, in 1998. This venture marked the beginning of his professional career outside of politics and provided him with firsthand experience in managing a business. His entrepreneurial background would later inform his approach to economic and regulatory issues during his political career.

Moore's entry into politics was encouraged by Mike Hubbard, the then-chair of the Alabama Republican Party. This support led him to run for a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives, where he was elected in 2010. His victory came at the expense of Democratic incumbent Terry Spicer, marking the start of his political journey.

House tenure

Moore's tenure in the Alabama House of Representatives lasted from 2010 to 2018. During this time, he was involved in various legislative initiatives and gained experience in the political arena. However, his career faced a significant challenge in April 2014 when he was arrested for felony perjury and lying to authorities during a grand jury investigation into Mike Hubbard. Moore was acquitted of all charges, allowing him to continue his political career without a criminal conviction.

In 2018, Moore sought to expand his political influence by challenging incumbent U.S. Representative Martha Roby in the Republican primary for Alabama's 2nd congressional district. Despite his efforts, he placed third in the primary, trailing both Roby and former U.S. Representative Bobby Bright. However, he did not give up on his aspirations for federal office.

In 2020, Moore made another attempt to secure a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The opportunity arose as Roby opted not to run for a sixth term, leaving the seat open. In a competitive seven-way Republican primary, Moore initially placed second behind Dothan businessman Jeff Coleman. However, he ultimately defeated Coleman in a runoff election, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this victory, Moore faced Democratic nominee Phyllis Harvey-Hall in the general election, where he won decisively with 65.2% of the vote.

Moore successfully ran for re-election in 2022, facing a rematch against Harvey-Hall. In the Republican primary, he was initially challenged by Coleman again, but a federal panel ruled against Coleman's candidacy, leaving Moore unopposed in the primary. In the general election, he secured his second term with 69% of the vote, demonstrating his continued support among constituents.

The 2024 election cycle brought new challenges due to court-ordered redistricting following the Allen v. Milligan case, which placed Moore into Alabama's 1st congressional district, previously represented by Jerry Carl. This situation created a unique dynamic, as both Moore and Carl were incumbents vying for the same seat. Moore confirmed his candidacy for the 1st district and narrowly won the Republican primary against Carl, despite the new district retaining a significant portion of Carl's constituents.

Legislative focus and committees

Since taking office in the U.S. House of Representatives, Moore has been involved in various legislative actions and has taken positions on a range of issues. His tenure began amid significant political turmoil, as he was one of the Republican lawmakers who objected to the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Following the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, Moore voted to overturn the election results, aligning himself with a faction of the Republican Party that questioned the legitimacy of the election.

Moore's legislative decisions have often reflected his party's conservative values. In February 2021, he voted against the American Rescue Plan, labeling it a "blue state bailout." He also co-signed legislation aimed at limiting state and local governments' access to funding if they implemented pandemic-related stay-at-home orders. His voting record includes opposition to measures such as a resolution to condemn the Myanmar coup d'état and a resolution to award the Congressional Gold Medal to police officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6 events.

In addition to his voting record, Moore has been involved in discussions surrounding foreign policy and military matters. He was one of the House Republicans who voted to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq, indicating a willingness to reevaluate U.S. military engagements. Furthermore, he opposed the bipartisan ALLIES Act, which sought to increase the number of special immigrant visas for allies of the U.S. military during its operations in Afghanistan.

Moore's legislative focus has also included issues related to economic policy and regulatory reform. His background in business informs his perspective on these matters, as he advocates for policies that he believes will benefit the economy and support business growth.

As of 2025, Barry Moore announced his candidacy for the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Alabama, indicating his continued ambition to serve in higher office. His political journey reflects a blend of local and national concerns, shaped by his experiences in Alabama's political landscape and his commitment to the Republican Party's principles.