ANNISTON, Ala. — Roy Moore vowed in an interview Sunday not to tone down his at-times provocative rhetoric, or shift his attention from politically charged social issues, to curry favor with fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill if he wins a closely watched special electon for an Alabama Senate seat.

Moore, 70, the former chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, is nationally recognized for his outspoken criticism of abortion rights, homosexuality and same-sex marriage. He said in remarks to the Washington Examiner after delivering a 35-minute sermon at Methodist church 70 miles east of Birmingham he wouldn’t moderate his behavior if defeats Sen. Luther Strange on Tuesday in a GOP primary runoff.