Simone De Moore

Simone De Moore, an eighth-grade public school teacher from Mobile, is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. De Moore teaches at Pillans Middle School.

Before becoming a teacher, Moore said he served as a public relations assistant to then-Mobile Mayor Mike Dow, and later worked for the Mobile City Council. He plans to keep his teaching job during the campaign.

His platform will center around education. He says he disagrees with the 2002 No Child Left Behind Act. He says, "One size does not fit all."

This is his first run for an elected office. De Moore said he would limit himself to serve no more than two terms.

On running as a Democrat: De Moore says "I vote principle, not party."

De Moore is a 45-year-old married father of three. De Moore plays Hammond organ at two area churches. He is also a rhythm and blues singer performing under the stage name "Simone De," he has released two CDs and has a third in the works.

DeMoore will face Bill Barnes, a Birmingham-area lawyer also running for the first time, in the statewide June 1 primary election.

The winner is expected to face Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Tuscaloosa, who is seeking a fifth six-year term.