(MONTGOMERY, AL)-- The race against Doug Jones for U.S. senate just got a little more crowded.
Alabama's Secretary of State John Merrill announces his bid for the Republican nomination at the state capitol.
He joins U.S. Representative Bradley Byrne, former Alabama Chief Justice Roy moore and thee other candidates vying for the Republican nomination.
Merrill addressed questions regarding issues like immigration and infrastructure during the press conference.
"If we don't have strong roads and bridges, then we cannot have increased markets in any part of our state," Merrill said. "We have to make sure that we have outstanding bridges, and that we have the necessary support that folks have to have in order to get to and from work as well as get products to and from the marketplace."
He also spoke about Alabama's rural health crisis.
"Some people have to go an hour and a half to receive primary care in an emergency situation, and we've got to make sure we're giving attention to that," Merrill said. "And if we're not concentrating on that and improving the quality of life for those people through medical assistance and medical care, we're failing our own people."
During the press conference, Merrill also touted his accomplishments as Secretary of State.
The primary vote will take place next year in early March.
?Audio courtesy of WVUA 23
