Look, everybody knows Alabama is "red." You see the maps on election night, and it’s basically just one big block of crimson, maybe with a few blue dots where the big cities are. But honestly, the 2026 governor's race in Alabama is shaping up to be anything but a boring coronation. With Governor Kay Ivey finally hitting her term limit and moving out of the mansion, we are staring down the most chaotic power vacuum this state has seen in a decade.
Basically, the "Ivey Era" is over. She’s been the steady hand since 2017, but Alabama law is pretty clear: two terms and you're out. That means the gates are wide open. Whether you’re a die-hard Republican or a hopeful Democrat, this isn’t just another Tuesday at the polls. It’s a full-on identity crisis for the state.
Who is Actually Running?
You’ve probably heard the names by now, but the list of people who actually have the cash and the clout to pull this off is surprisingly short. On the Republican side, the biggest elephant in the room is U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. Yeah, the former Auburn coach. He’s already filed his papers and, as of late 2025, had nearly $6.7 million in cash on hand. That is a mountain of money for a state race.
Tuberville isn't just coasting on football fame either. He’s been locking up big endorsements from people like Senator Katie Britt and even Indiana Governor Mike Braun. But he’s not alone in the GOP primary. You’ve got Ken McFeeters, an insurance agent from Birmingham, throwing his hat in the ring.
Then there’s the Democratic side. It’s usually a tough hill to climb in Alabama, but Doug Jones is back. The former Senator—who famously beat Roy Moore in 2017—officially launched his campaign in Birmingham last month. He’s sitting on about $566,014, which is a lot for an Alabama Democrat but looks like pocket change compared to Tuberville’s war chest.
Other Democrats making a run include:
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- Will Boyd (the perennial candidate who’s always in the mix)
- Yolanda Flowers (the 2022 nominee)
- Ja’Mel Brown (an online pastor)
- Chad "Chig" Martin (the hemp business owner who always brings a unique vibe to the debates)
Why This Race Feels Different
Most people think Alabama politics is just a foregone conclusion. "Republican wins, everyone goes home." But the governor's race in Alabama this year is about more than just a party label. It’s about which version of the GOP wins. Tuberville represents that MAGA-aligned, national-firebrand style of politics.
Meanwhile, the "bench" of Alabama Republicans is shifting. Steve Marshall, the Attorney General, decided to jump into the U.S. Senate race instead. Rick Pate, the Agriculture Commissioner, is aiming for Lieutenant Governor. This leaves a lot of room for a "battle royale" in the May 19 primary.
Honestly, the polling is already telling a story. A Cygnal poll from late 2025 had Tuberville leading Doug Jones 53% to 34% in a hypothetical matchup. That 19-point gap is huge, but it’s actually narrower than the 25-30 point margins we usually see. Is Alabama becoming more competitive? Sorta. But it’s still a "Solid R" state according to the Cook Political Report.
The Issues That Actually Matter
If you’re living in Montgomery or Mobile, you don’t care about national talking points as much as you care about the potholes and the schools. Here’s what’s actually going to decide the governor's race in Alabama:
1. The Economy and Diversification
Ronald Burnette Jr., an Independent running a write-in campaign, has been hitting the "diversify the economy" drum hard. Alabama is still heavily reliant on manufacturing and agriculture. Candidates are being forced to talk about how to bring in tech and aerospace jobs without losing the "Small Town Alabama" soul.
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2. Healthcare and "Freedom"
There’s a massive legal debate happening right now. The Wyoming Supreme Court recently ruled that their "health care freedom" amendment protects abortion access. Alabama has a similar provision. You can bet your bottom dollar that Doug Jones will try to make this a central issue, while Tuberville will double down on his conservative credentials.
3. Infrastructure and the "Gas Tax" Legacy
Kay Ivey pushed through a gas tax for roads. It was controversial. The next governor has to decide whether to stay the course or cave to the "no new taxes" crowd that’s gaining steam in the state legislature.
The Calendar You Need to Bookmark
If you want to have a say in this, you can't just show up in November. In Alabama, the primary is often the "real" election.
- January 23, 2026: The final deadline for candidates to file.
- May 4, 2026: Last day to register to vote for the primary.
- May 19, 2026: Primary Election Day.
- June 16, 2026: Primary Runoff (If no one gets over 50%, this is where the drama happens).
- November 3, 2026: The General Election.
The "Doug Jones" Factor
Can a Democrat actually win? Most experts say no. The "Safe R" rating from Sabato’s Crystal Ball doesn’t change easily. But Doug Jones isn't a normal Democrat. He’s got name ID. He’s got a moderate-enough record to peel off some suburban voters in Shelby and Madison counties.
The strategy is basically:
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- Maximize turnout in the "Black Belt."
- Hope the GOP primary is so nasty it leaves the winner bruised.
- Win over the "Ivey Republicans" who might find Tuberville's style a bit too loud.
It’s a long shot. A very long shot. But in a race with no incumbent, weird things happen.
Actionable Steps for Alabama Voters
If you're following the governor's race in Alabama, don't just watch the commercials. Ads are mostly noise.
Check your registration status at the Secretary of State’s website before the May 4 deadline. If you’re a Republican, look past the "endorsements" and check the fundraising—money usually tells you who the establishment is backing. If you’re a Democrat, watch the debates to see if anyone besides Doug Jones has a real plan for the rural counties that the party has ignored for years.
The next few months are going to be loud. Between the yard signs and the 30-second attack ads, it’s easy to get frustrated. But remember: whoever wins this gets to set the tone for Alabama for the next four (or eight) years. Don't let the "inevitability" of the result keep you from the ballot box.
To stay ahead of the curve, you should verify your current voter registration through the Alabama Secretary of State's "My Info" portal to ensure your polling location hasn't changed due to recent redistricting. Additionally, set a calendar alert for the May 19 primary, as the winner of the GOP primary in this state historically has a over 90% chance of winning the general election. Finally, review the latest campaign finance reports on the Alabama FCPA website to see which special interest groups are funding your preferred candidate's "war chest."