Updated: 10:26 p.m.

Rick Santorum has won the Alabama Republican presidential primary, according to the Associated Press, although the results in the Mississippi primary remain too close to call.

The win would be a boost for the former Pennsylvania Senator, but more importantly a threat to former Speaker Newt Gingrich’s faltering campaign. A native of Georgia, Gingrich had hoped wins in Southern states would boost his credibility.

If Gingrich were to leave the race, Santorum would be better positioned to challenge former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney head on.

Texas Rep. Ron Paul was also on the ballot, but he was not actively campaigning tonight in either state.