Finding a reliable list of Alabama senators usually feels like a history project. You’ve got the giants of the past—guys like Richard Shelby who stayed in D.C. so long he basically became a landmark—and then you have the current duo, Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville. But here is the thing. The list is about to change. Right now, in January 2026, Alabama is standing at a weird crossroads because one of its seats is officially "open."
Most folks assume senators just hang out until they are voted out or retire at age 90. That is not the case here. Tommy Tuberville, the former Auburn football coach who jumped into politics in 2020, has thrown a massive wrench into the gears. He is not running for re-election to the Senate. Instead, he’s gunning for the Governor's mansion back in Montgomery.
So, while the "list" looks one way today, it will look completely different by the time the 2026 midterms wrap up.
The Current Heavy Hitters in 2026
Alabama is currently represented by two Republicans. This hasn't always been the case (remember Doug Jones?), but for now, the GOP has a lock on both Class 2 and Class 3 seats.
Katie Britt (Junior Senator) Katie Britt is the "new kid" who isn't really new. She took over Richard Shelby's seat after the 2022 election and she’s already making waves. She is the first woman elected to the Senate from Alabama, which is a pretty huge deal if you follow Yellowhammer State history. Her term doesn't end until January 2029. She’s safe for now. No one is coming for her seat this year.
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Tommy Tuberville (Senior Senator) Then there is "Coach." He beat Doug Jones in 2020 and has spent his time in Washington being exactly who he said he was: a disruptor. But as mentioned, his name won't be on the Senate ballot this November. He’s moving on to the state-level race, which leaves his seat up for grabs. This is the first time since 1996 that this specific Class 2 seat has been wide open without an incumbent.
The Historical List of Alabama Senators (The Legends)
You can't talk about Alabama's representation without looking back. The state has sent some serious power players to the Capitol. Honestly, for decades, Alabama’s senators were more powerful than almost anyone else in the room because of seniority.
- Richard Shelby (1987–2023): He is the gold standard for staying power. He served 36 years. He started as a Democrat, switched to a Republican in 1994, and basically brought home more "pork" (federal funding) than a barbecue competition.
- John Sparkman (1946–1979): If you live in Huntsville, you know his name. He was the father of Redstone Arsenal. Without him, Alabama probably wouldn't have the massive aerospace industry it has today.
- Jeff Sessions (1997–2017): He held the seat for twenty years before leaving to be Donald Trump's Attorney General. His departure triggered that wild special election where things got... complicated.
Why the 2026 Election is Shaking Up the List
Since Tuberville is out, the 2026 race is basically a free-for-all. The filing deadline is literally days away—January 23, 2026. If you haven't been paying attention to the local news, the Republican primary is where the real action is.
Steve Marshall, the current Attorney General, is a frontrunner. He has been raising a ton of cash. Then you have Barry Moore, the Congressman who has been a vocal ally of the MAGA movement. Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL, is also in the mix, pitching himself as the ultimate outsider.
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On the Democratic side, it’s a steeper uphill climb. Names like Dakarai Larriett and Kyle Sweetser are running, but in a state that went 65% for Trump in 2024, the math is tough for any Democrat.
A Quick Reference Guide to Terms
If you're trying to keep track of who is up when, it helps to understand the "Classes."
- Class 2 Seat (Tuberville's): This is the one on the ballot in November 2026. The new person will take office in January 2027.
- Class 3 Seat (Britt's): This one won't be up for election again until November 2028.
What Most People Get Wrong About Alabama Senators
A lot of people think Alabama has always been a "Deep Red" Republican stronghold in the Senate. That’s actually a myth. From the end of Reconstruction until the 1980s, Alabama was almost exclusively represented by Democrats.
The shift happened slowly. Even as recently as 2018, Alabama had a Democratic senator in Doug Jones. Alabama politics is less about a straight party line and more about a specific brand of populism. People here like fighters. They liked Richard Shelby because he fought for their money. They like Tuberville because he fights for their culture.
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The "list" isn't just a bunch of names; it’s a mirror of how the state’s identity has shifted from the old "New Deal" Southern Democrats to the modern GOP.
Practical Steps for Voters in 2026
If you're an Alabama resident, your role in shaping the next list of Alabama senators starts now. The primary is May 19, 2026. Because Alabama is so heavily Republican, the person who wins the GOP primary in May (or the runoff in June) is almost guaranteed to be the next Senator.
- Register to Vote: The deadline for the primary is May 4, 2026.
- Check the Runoff: Alabama requires a majority. If nobody gets 50% in May, the top two face off again in June.
- Watch the Fundraising: Follow the FEC reports. In Alabama, the person with the most money usually has the loudest megaphone, but as we saw with Roy Moore years ago, anything can happen.
Get familiar with Steve Marshall and Barry Moore. These are the names that will likely define Alabama's voice in Washington for the next six years.