2026 Alabama gubernatorial election

For related races, see 2026 United States gubernatorial elections.

2026 Alabama gubernatorial election

←  2022 November 3, 2026 2030 →

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. Incumbent Governor Kay Ivey is term-limited and ineligible to seek a third full consecutive term.

Republican primary

Candidates

Publicly expressed interest

• Will Ainsworth, Lieutenant Governor of Alabama (2019–present) (decision expected in May 2025) ^[1]
• Lynda Blanchard, former U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia (2019–2021) and candidate for governor in 2022 ^[2]
• Kent Davis, former commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs ^[3]
• John Merrill, former Alabama Secretary of State (2015–2023) ^[4]
• Rick Pate, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (2019–present) ^[1]
• Tommy Tuberville, U.S. senator (2021–present) (currently running for re-election, decision expected in May) ^{[5] [6]}

Potential

• Lew Burdette, women's shelter owner and candidate for governor in 2022 ^[7]
• Jack Hawkins, chancellor of Troy University (1989–present) ^[8]

Declined

• Steve Marshall, Alabama Attorney General (2017–present) ^[9]

Endorsements

Will Ainsworth ^[a]

State representatives

• Nathaniel Ledbetter, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives (2023–present) from the 24th district (2014–present) ^[10]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Potential

• Doug Jones, former U.S. senator (2018–2021) ^[11]

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report [12]	Solid R	January 23, 2025
Inside Elections [13]	Solid R	February 6, 2025

See also

• 2026 United States gubernatorial elections

Notes

1. Has not declared his candidacy.

References

1. Willis, Alexander (January 10, 2025). "Former VA leader Davis floats run for governor; Ainsworth, Pate announcements pending". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
2. Taylor, Caleb (July 26, 2024). "'It's always a possibility': Lindy Blanchard on 2026 bid for governor…". 1819 News . Retrieved July 28, 2024.
3. Taylor, Caleb (December 13, 2024). "Former ADVA commissioner Kent Davis considering run for political office in 2026". 1819 News . Retrieved December 17, 2024.
4. Koplowitz, Howard; Cason, Mike (January 1, 2025). "Who will run for Alabama governor in 2026? Here are 5 Republican contenders to watch". The Birmingham News . Retrieved January 4, 2025.
5. Shipley, Austen (January 8, 2025). "Tuberville on '26 run for governor: 'Never say never'". Yellowhammer News . Retrieved January 10, 2025.
6. Everett, Grayson (March 4, 2025). "Tuberville is telling colleagues 'he wants to run for governor' in 2026, expects final decision by May". Yellowhammer News . Retrieved March 4, 2025.
7. Everett, Grayson (August 8, 2024). "Who's running for Governor of Alabama in 2026?". Yellowhammer News . Retrieved August 9, 2024.
8. Taylor, Caleb (December 18, 2024). "Troy University chancellor Jack Hawkins for Governor? 'I've been encouraged to run'". 1819 News . Retrieved December 20, 2024.
9. Stacy, Todd (January 1, 2025). "From IAP: Steve Marshall won't run for governor". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
10. Poor, Jeff (July 5, 2023). "House Speaker Ledbetter endorses Ainsworth for governor in 2026 at annual Henagar event". 1819 News . Retrieved July 5, 2023.
11. Hall, Ryan (January 1, 2025). "Democrats and Republicans weigh in on 2026 Governor's Race". WIAT . Retrieved January 2, 2025.
12. "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
13. "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections . Retrieved February 7, 2025.