U.S. Rep. Roby defeats Bright in runoff for House seat

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - U.S. Rep. Martha Roby has won the Republican primary runoff for her seat. Roby defeated Bobby Bright, who used to hold the seat as a Democrat.

Roby drew multiple challengers in the primary after angering some voters in the closing days of the 2016 election. Roby had said she couldn't support then-candidate Trump because of his lewd comments about women, captured on an "Access Hollywood" tape.

However, Trump had endorsed Roby in the runoff, calling her a "consistent and reliable vote for our Make America Great Again Agenda."

"I want to thank my team, but I want to thank the Alabama voters for being willing to do that on my behalf," Roby said Tuesday. "President Trump's endorsement was certainly helpful and I appreciate the vice president's willingness to engage in this race. It's important because we have a shared conservative agenda that we are working together to get these policies across the finish line for the American people."

Trump tweeted congratulations to Roby Wednesday morning following Tuesday's win:

Bright conceded to Roby not long after the Associated Press called the race. Bright told reporters he has no intentions of running again.

The former mayor of Montgomery and congressman campaigned for five months in a bid to win back his old job in Washington, the very same job he lost to Congresswoman Martha Roby eight years ago.

Bright said he has no regrets and did his best.

"We had a very limited budget compared to Martha's but we did the best we possibly could," Bright said. "I am proud of all my staff, I'm proud of my family."

With the nomination, Roby seeks a fifth term. She faces Democrat Tabitha Isner in November.

Copyright 2018 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.