Doug Jones draws a big Mobile crowd — but can enthusiasm translate to votes in deep-red Alabama?

With six-time Grammy winner Jason Isbell serving as the opening act, a large crowd packed a Mobile event center Wednesday night to hear from Doug Jones as the Democratic gubernatorial nominee sought to build momentum in a race many once viewed as a long shot. It was the type of rally that the former U.S. senator admits seemed unlikely less than a year ago. But in recent months, as Democratic challengers have made inroads in statewide races in Republican states like Texas and Iowa and as President Donald Trump’s overall approval rating has plummeted , Jones has campaigned across Alabama with rallies and town hall events. “I wasn’t given a snowballs chance,” Jones said during the rally following a performance by Isbell, the Alabama native and popular singer-songwriter who has performed in support of Jones during past campaigns. “All the pundits and all the folks on the other side of the aisle picked out the drapes for their offices, and started buying houses in Montgomery,” Jones said. “We are damn sure showing them that they better watch out.” Isbell said he believed Jones could become the first Democratic governor of Alabama since Don Siegelman left office in 2003. “Doug can win this,” he said. “I think he can win this race.” Despite the optimism and Jones’ outline of what he would do as governor, some people in attendance expressed skepticism about whether he can win.

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