Alabama politics has always been a bit of a wild ride, but right now, it feels like everyone is staring at a giant "Under Construction" sign at the Governor’s Mansion. If you're trying to figure out who is running for Alabama governor 2025, the first thing you have to realize is that the calendar is actually pointing toward 2026. However, the maneuvering, the fundraising, and the "will-they-won't-they" drama are happening exactly now.
Governor Kay Ivey is finishing up her final term. Because of Alabama’s term limit laws, she can’t run again in 2026. This has created a massive power vacuum. Usually, the Lieutenant Governor is the heir apparent, but things took a sharp left turn recently when Will Ainsworth, the sitting Lieutenant Governor, shocked everyone by announcing he’s sitting this one out.
The Senator in the Room: Tommy Tuberville
The biggest name currently dominating the conversation is U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. Honestly, it’s the move that changed the entire board. Tuberville has already made it clear he's leaning heavily into a run for governor. He’s got the name recognition from his coaching days at Auburn and a very cozy relationship with the Trump administration, which basically makes him the 800-pound gorilla in the Republican primary.
As of early 2026, Tuberville is the heavy favorite on the GOP side. He’s already started raising serious cash—reports show he's got over $6.7 million on hand as of the start of the year. That kind of war chest makes it really hard for "retail" politicians to compete.
But he’s not the only Republican looking at the seat. Ken McFeeters, an insurance agent who previously ran for Congress, has also declared his candidacy. While McFeeters doesn't have the same statewide profile, he’s positioning himself as a grassroots alternative.
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The Big Names Who Said "No"
To understand the 2026 race (and why people are searching for the 2025 lineup), you have to look at who isn't on the list. For a long time, it was a safe bet that Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth and Attorney General Steve Marshall would be the frontrunners.
- Will Ainsworth: In May 2025, Ainsworth announced he wouldn't run. He cited family reasons—specifically wanting to be there for his kids' final high school years—and a desire to move into the private sector. It was a move that surprised his supporters, as he had spent years building a platform on school choice and tax cuts.
- Steve Marshall: The Attorney General also bowed out early. He mentioned that the governor’s office wasn't a job he "really aspired to." Instead, with Tuberville likely moving toward the governor's race, Marshall has set his sights on Tuberville's soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat.
Who is Running for Alabama Governor 2025 on the Democratic Side?
Democrats in Alabama face a steep uphill climb. It’s been since 1998 since a Democrat won the governor’s race here. That said, the 2026 primary is shaping up with some familiar faces.
The most notable name is Doug Jones. The former U.S. Senator, who won that famous special election in 2017, is back in the mix. He’s far and away the most recognizable Democrat in the state and has already shown he can raise national-level money, bringing in over $500,000 by the end of 2025.
Other Democrats who have filed or expressed serious intent include:
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- Will Boyd: A perennial candidate and former Greenville city councilor who has run for various statewide offices before.
- Yolanda Flowers: The 2022 Democratic nominee for governor. She’s looking for a second shot at the office.
- Chad "Chig" Martin: An entrepreneur in the hemp industry who ran in the 2022 primary.
- Ja’Mel Brown: An online pastor who is bringing a faith-based message to the primary.
The Independent Wildcard
There’s also Ronald Burnette Jr., who is running as an Independent. He’s focusing his platform on diversifying Alabama’s economy and tax reform. In a state dominated by the two-party system, Independent runs are usually long shots, but he’s been active on the trail early.
Why the 2025 Timeline Matters
You might wonder why we’re talking about who is running for Alabama governor 2025 when the election isn't until November 2026. In Alabama, the "real" election often happens in the primary. The primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
To be ready for May, candidates have to spend all of 2025 crisscrossing the state, attending GOP breakfasts or Democratic town halls, and—most importantly—raising millions. If a candidate doesn't have their team in place by mid-2025, they’ve basically already lost.
What Voters are Actually Looking For
The issues haven't changed much, but the intensity has. Whoever wins is going to have to deal with:
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- Education Reform: Following the passage of the CHOOSE Act, school choice is a massive topic.
- The Economy: While Alabama’s unemployment is low, inflation and the "cost of living" are the primary concerns for people in the Wiregrass and the Tennessee Valley alike.
- Infrastructure: The gas tax and road improvements remain a sticky point for rural voters.
Actionable Insights for Alabama Voters
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on this election, don't wait until 2026 to start paying attention.
First, check your registration status on the Alabama Secretary of State website. Since the primary is in May 2026, you’ll need to be registered well before then. Second, keep an eye on the campaign finance reports that come out quarterly. In Alabama, money doesn't always buy the win, but it usually tells you who the "real" contenders are.
Lastly, look for town halls in your county starting in late 2025. This is the only time you’ll get to see these candidates without the polish of a TV ad.