2026 Alabama gubernatorial election

For related races, see 2026 United States gubernatorial elections.

2026 Alabama gubernatorial election
November 3, 2026
 
Party Republican Democratic
Incumbent Governor

Kay Ivey
Republican



The 2026 Alabama gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the next governor of Alabama. The primary elections will take place on May 19, and in races where no candidate receives over 50% in a primary, runoff elections will take place on June 16.[1] Incumbent Governor Kay Ivey is term-limited and ineligible to seek a third consecutive full term.

This election will take place alongside races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state senate, state house, and numerous other state and local offices. Democrats have not won a gubernatorial election in Alabama since 1998.

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Declined

Endorsements

Ken McFeeters
Organizations
Tommy Tuberville
Executive branch officials
U.S. senators
State officials
State legislators
Individuals
Organizations
Will Ainsworth (declined)
State legislators

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of February 28, 2026
Candidate Raised Other receipts Spent Cash on hand
Ken McFeeters (R) $0 $20,000 $8,576 $11,423
Tommy Tuberville (R) $11,221,735 $65,858 $2,963,751 $8,323,841
Source: Alabama FCPA[35]

Polling

Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size[a] 		Margin
of error 		Ken
McFeeters 		Tommy
Tuberville 		Other Undecided
Quantus Insights (R)[36] October 13–14, 2025 1,050 (RV) ± 3.2% 4% 63% 11% 22%
Hypothetical polling
Will Ainsworth vs. Rick Pate
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size[a] 		Margin
of error 		Will
Ainsworth 		Rick
Pate 		Undecided
Remington Research Group (R)[37] December 2024 – (RV) – 34% 5% 61%

Campaign

The Constitution of Alabama requires that a candidate for governor have been a resident citizen of the state for at least seven years immediately preceding the date of the election, as provided in Article V, Section 117.[38]

On January 27, 2026, after the filing deadline for the Republican primary had passed, Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken McFeeters submitted a formal challenge to the Alabama Republican Party alleging that U.S. Senator and fellow gubernatorial candidate Tommy Tuberville does not satisfy the state's residency requirement. McFeeters claimed in his petition that, despite Tuberville owning a home in Auburn, Alabama, he primarily resides at his multimillion-dollar beach house in Walton County, Florida.[39]

A spokesperson for Tuberville described the challenge as "a ridiculous PR stunt from a desperate candidate."[40] Tuberville himself dismissed the allegation, stating, "What a joke. I guess they think, you know, I hadn't done my homework."[41]

The Alabama Republican Party's 21-member steering committee reviewed the challenge on February 2, 2026 and rejected it, clearing the path for Tuberville to be on the primary ballot.[42]

Results

Republican primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Ken McFeeters
Republican "Alabama" Will Santivasci
Republican Tommy Tuberville
Total votes 100.00

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Endorsements

Will Boyd
Party officials
Organizations
Doug Jones
U.S. representatives
Statewide officials
State legislators
Individuals

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of February 28, 2026
Candidate Raised Other receipts Spent Cash on hand
Will Boyd (D) $55,961 $220 $50,251 $5,929
Yolanda Flowers (D) $790 $975 $1,274 $490
Doug Jones (D) $1,308,513 $0 $399,735 $908,778
Chad Chig Martin (D) $23,576 $0 $16,290 $9,787
Source: Alabama FCPA[35]

Campaign

Will Boyd was the first candidate to enter the race, in June 2025.[43] Doug Jones did not rule out a bid in the same month, while campaigning for a Democrat in a state legislative special election.[55] He officially launched his campaign in November 2025.[56] Following reporters that Jones would announce a campaign, Boyd's campaign responded by stating that he would not be dropping out of the race.[57]

Jones focused on Tommy Tuberville's residency issue in his campaign. He also expressed his support for a state lottery in Alabama.[58] If elected, he also pledged to remove members of the Alabama Public Library Service, and replace them with nonpartisan members.[59]

Results

Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Will Boyd
Democratic Jamel J. Brown
Democratic Yolanda Rochelle Flowers
Democratic Doug Jones
Democratic Chad "Chig" Martin
Democratic Nathan "Nate" Mathis
Total votes 100.00

Independent and third-party candidates

Declared

  • Ronald Burnette Jr., artist (independent, write-in)[60]
  • Darren Knight, comedian (independent, write-in)[61]

General election

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[62] Solid R September 11, 2025
Inside Elections[63] Solid R August 28, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball[64] Safe R September 4, 2025
Race to the WH[65] Likely R December 3, 2025

Polling

Tommy Tuberville vs. Doug Jones
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size[a] 		Margin
of error 		Tommy
Tuberville (R) 		Doug
Jones (D) 		Undecided
Cygnal (R)[66] November 12–13, 2025 605 (LV) ± 4.0% 53% 34% 13%

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear

References

  1. ^ "Alabama Election Cycle Calendar" (PDF). Alabama Secretary of State. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
  2. ^ Chitwood, Bill (May 28, 2025). "Ken McFeeters to Challenge Tuberville for Republican Gubernatorial Nomination". ALPolitics.com. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  3. ^ Gann, Heather (February 5, 2026). "Alabama 2026 election: Everyone running for governor". AL.com. Retrieved February 8, 2026.
  4. ^ Angle, Alex (May 27, 2025). "Tuberville makes it official: he's running for governor in 2026". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  5. ^ Keenum, Lynne (May 21, 2025). "Alabama Lt. Gov. Ainsworth not running for governor in 2026". WVTM-TV. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  6. ^ a b Monger, Craig. "Ainsworth endorses Tuberville for governor — 'Coach Tuberville will bring needed reforms'". 1819 News. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  7. ^ Taylor, Caleb (July 26, 2024). "'It's always a possibility': Lindy Blanchard on 2026 bid for governor…". 1819 News. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  8. ^ Koch, Alexandra (March 7, 2025). "Trump announces US ambassador nominations that include mayor of Michigan city". Fox News. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
  9. ^ "Mo Brooks leaves door open for Senate?". 1819 News. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  10. ^ Stacy, Todd (January 1, 2025). "From IAP: Steve Marshall won't run for governor". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  11. ^ Baker, Trent. "'The nation needs strong conservative leadership': Steve Marshall announces U.S. Senate bid". 1819 News. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  12. ^ Gann, Heather (March 12, 2025). "Tuberville's possible run changed one Republican's plans: Only Nick Saban 'could beat him'". al.com. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  13. ^ Sell, Mary (May 21, 2025). "Pate not running for governor, considering bid for lieutenant gov". Alabama Daily News.
  14. ^ "2025 / 2025 ACC Endorsements". Alabama Cannabis Coalition. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
  15. ^ Darrington, Patrick (January 22, 2026). "Trump officially endorses Sen. Tommy Tuberville to be Alabama's next governor". AL.com. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  16. ^ Sell, Mary (June 18, 2025). "Britt endorses Tuberville for governor". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  17. ^ Taylor, Daniel. "Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott endorses Tuberville for governor — 'Alabama is going to become this unbelievable state'". 1819 News. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
  18. ^ Koplowitz, Howard (February 4, 2026). "'I'm still a Democrat': Former Alabama governor explains why he's one of Tuberville's biggest donors". AL.com. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  19. ^ Monger, Craig. "Indiana Gov. Mike Braun endorses Tuberville in gubernatorial bid — 'He's going to be the next governor of Alabama'". 1819 News. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  20. ^ Everett, Grayson (September 4, 2025). "'Battlefield general': Alabama Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger endorses Tommy Tuberville for Governor". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
  21. ^ Everett, Grayson (August 18, 2025). "Speaker Ledbetter endorses Senator Tuberville for Governor of Alabama as 'unapologetically conservative leader'". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  22. ^ Monger, Craig (May 28, 2025). "House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen endorses Tuberville for…". 1819 News. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  23. ^ Shipley, Austen (August 19, 2025). "Taylor Hicks jumps into Alabama politics – to throw his support behind Tuberville for Governor in 2026". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  24. ^ Sharp, John (December 17, 2025). "Former Alabama football star drops out of lieutenant governor's race". AL.com. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  25. ^ "Endorsement Archives". Republicans for National Renewal. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  26. ^ Everett, Grayson (July 17, 2025). "ALFA endorses Tuberville for Governor". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  27. ^ "Forestry Association endorses Tommy Tuberville for governor". Alabama Political Reporter. June 27, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  28. ^ a b Shipley, Austen (July 22, 2025). "Tuberville endorsed by both Alabama Chapters of Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
  29. ^ "Business Council endorses Tommy Tuberville for governor". Alabama Political Reporter. June 27, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  30. ^ Everett, Grayson (May 21, 2025). "Club for Growth endorses Tommy Tuberville for Governor of Alabama in 2026". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  31. ^ Monger, Craig (July 29, 2025). "Electric co-ops endorse Tuberville for governor — 'We are proud to back him'". 1819 News. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
  32. ^ Angle, Alex (June 5, 2025). "Tuberville gets endorsement from Manufacture Alabama in his gubernatorial bid". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  33. ^ "The Petroleum and Convenience Marketers of Alabama endorses Tommy Tuberville for governor". Alabama Political Reporter. May 28, 2025. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  34. ^ Poor, Jeff (July 5, 2023). "House Speaker Ledbetter endorses Ainsworth for governor in 2026 at annual Henagar event". 1819 News. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  35. ^ a b "Political Race Search". Alabama FCPA. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  36. ^ Corley, Jason (October 16, 2025). "Alabama Republican Primary Survey". Quantus Insights. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
  37. ^ Everett, Grayson (December 20, 2024). "New polling shows Will Ainsworth has big lead over Rick Pate in 2026 governor's race". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
  38. ^ "SECTION 117". Justia. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  39. ^ NBC 15 (January 27, 2026). "Tuberville's Alabama residency formally challenged by gubernatorial opponent". WMTV. Retrieved January 30, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  40. ^ Davis, Kayla (January 28, 2026). "Republican candidate challenges Sen. Tommy Tuberville's residency, saying he lives in Florida". WVTM. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  41. ^ Conlon, Riley; Higdon, Michal (January 29, 2026). "'What a joke': Sen. Tommy Tuberville dismisses challenge to his Alabama residency". WVTM. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  42. ^ Marie Fogel, Apryl (February 2, 2026). "ALGOP steering committee votes down Tuberville, Wahl ballot challenges". 1819 News. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  43. ^ a b Barrett, Anna (June 11, 2025). "Democrat Will Boyd announces 2026 campaign for Alabama governor". Alabama Reflector. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
  44. ^ "CAMPAIGN 2026: Montgomery community activist joins governor's race". WAKA. June 14, 2025. Retrieved June 15, 2025.
  45. ^ Moseley, Brandon (September 29, 2025). "Yolanda Flowers announces candidacy in 2026 Governor's race". The Alabama Gazette. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  46. ^ Vakil, Caroline (November 24, 2025). "Doug Jones launches Alabama governor bid". The Hill. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  47. ^ Smith, Robert (May 29, 2025). "Enterprise businessman has eyes set on Alabama governorship". WDHN. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  48. ^ Sell, Mary (January 23, 2026). "Wahl, Brooks and others shake-up GOP primaries on final day to qualify". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  49. ^ "Will Boyd's campaign welcomes Vision Blue Strategies as national consultant". Alabama Political Reporter. July 15, 2025. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
  50. ^ Chitwood, Bill (July 28, 2025). "Alabama Cannabis Coalition Endorses Dr. Will Boyd in 2026 Governor's Race". ALPolitics.com. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  51. ^ a b Britt, Bill (November 24, 2025). "Doug Jones files paperwork to run for Alabama governor in 2026". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  52. ^ Hagan, Victor (March 11, 2026). "UACD hosts Democratic candidate for Alabama commissioner of agriculture, industries". The Crimson White. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  53. ^ a b Barrett, Anna (December 12, 2025). "Doug Jones kicks off Alabama gubernatorial campaign with vision of 'crowded table'". Alabama Reflector. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
  54. ^ Yaffee, Michael (December 8, 2025). "Doug Jones hosting kickoff event for longshot '26 gubernatorial bid in Birmingham". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
  55. ^ Barrett, Anna (July 2, 2025). "Doug Jones endorses, plans to campaign for Cullman County Democrat". Alabama Reflector. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  56. ^ Taylor, Drew (November 24, 2025). "Doug Jones files paperwork to run for Alabama governor 5 years after losing Senate seat to Tommy Tuberville". CBS 42. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  57. ^ Chitwood, Bill (November 23, 2025). "Dr. Will Boyd Responds to Reports of Doug Jones Governors Run". ALPolitics.com. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  58. ^ Cortes, Tony (February 1, 2026). "Doug Jones visits Huntsville, speaks on campaign for governor". WHNT. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  59. ^ Holmes, Jacob (February 9, 2026). "Jones vows to remove APLS members if elected governor". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  60. ^ Haymond, Abby (December 12, 2025). "Doug Jones kicks off Alabama gubernatorial campaign". FOX 10. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
  61. ^ Gann, Heather (February 20, 2026). "'Southern Mama' comedian Darren Knight announces run for governor of Alabama". AL.com. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  62. ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
  63. ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  64. ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
  65. ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  66. ^ "Tuberville in Control While Jones Faces Impossible Odds" (PDF). Cygnal. November 17, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
Official campaign websites
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