Moore defeats Strange to win GOP nomination in U.S. Senate race

Moore said Tuesday night that he owes thanks to God.

The GOP Senate nominee and former Alabama Chief Justice said, "I've never prayed to win this campaign. I've only prayed for God's will to be done."

He went on to say, "The best thing you can do is put it in the hands of all mighty God."

Moore clinched the GOP nomination for the Senate seat previously held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Moore will face Democrat Doug Jones in a Dec. 12 special election.

Moore is the state's former chief justice who was twice removed from his duties for defying federal courts over same-sex marriage and the public display of the Ten Commandments.

Propelled by evangelical voters, Moore consolidated support from a number of anti-establishment forces, including former White House strategist Steve Bannon.

Bannon was on stage with Moore Tuesday night.

Strange, conceding the race to Moore, put out this statement Tuesday night:

"From the beginning of this campaign, my priority has been serving the people of Alabama. Tomorrow I will go back to work with President Trump and do all I can to advance his agenda over the next few weeks. Melissa and I appreciate the many devoted friends and family who have supported us over the past months, the many Alabamians who have given us a warm welcome in every corner of the state, and the brigade of volunteers who left it all out on the field in this campaign. I am especially grateful for the support of President Trump and Vice President Pence, as well as the strong example set by my friends Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions. I congratulate Roy Moore on the result this evening. May God be with him and may God continue to bless Alabama and the United States of America."

Democratic nominee Jones said this after the GOP runoff concluded: "After years of embarrassing headlines about top public officials in this state, this race is about the people of Alabama and about choosing a candidate with character and integrity they can be proud of. I will never embarrass the people of Alabama. I am running so the people of Alabama can be proud of their next senator."

Gov. Kay Ivey released the following statement about the U.S. Senate primary runoff:

"One of my first acts as governor was to move the special election date so it was held in compliance with the law. Now the people have had their say. Republican voters chose their nominee for the United States Senate. I encourage all Alabamians to vote in the general election scheduled for December 12, 2017. I appreciate Senator Luther Strange's years of dedicated service to our state and thank him for his unwavering commitment to Alabama. Congratulations are also due to Roy Moore on his win, and I look forward to supporting him as our party's nominee."