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. 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

• Ken McFeeters, insurance agent and candidate for Alabama's 6th congressional district in 2024 ^[2]
• Will Santivasci, event center operations manager ^[3]
• Tommy Tuberville, U.S. senator (2021–present) ^[4]

Declined

• Will Ainsworth, Lieutenant Governor of Alabama (2019–present) ^[5] (endorsed Tuberville) ^[6]
• Lynda Blanchard, former U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia (2019–2021) and candidate for governor in 2022 ^[7] (nominated for Ambassador to the Food and Agriculture Organization) ^[8]
• Mo Brooks, former U.S. Representative from Alabama's 5th congressional district (2011–2023) ^[9]
• Steve Marshall, Alabama Attorney General (2017–present) ^[10] (running for U.S Senate) ^[11]
• Rick Pate, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (2019–present) (running for Lieutenant Governor) ^{[12] [13]}

Endorsements

Ken McFeeters

Organizations

• Alabama Cannabis Coalition ^[14]

Tommy Tuberville

Executive branch officials

• Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present) ^[15]

U.S. senators

• Katie Britt, Alabama (2023–present) ^[16]
• Rick Scott, Florida (2019–present) ^[17]

State officials

• Will Ainsworth, lieutenant governor of Alabama (2019–present) ^[6]
• Jere Beasley, lieutenant governor of Alabama (1971–1979) and acting governor of Alabama (1972) (Democratic) ^[18]
• Mike Braun, governor of Indiana (2025–present) ^[19]

State legislators

• Garlan Gudger, president pro tempore of the Alabama Senate (2025–present) from the 4th district (2018–present) ^[20]
• Nathaniel Ledbetter, speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives (2023–present) from the 24th district (2014–present) (previously endorsed Ainsworth) ^[21]
• Scott Stadthagen, majority leader of the Alabama House of Representatives (2023–present) from the 9th district (2019–present) ^[22]

Individuals

• Taylor Hicks, singer ^[23]
• A. J. McCarron, former professional football player and candidate for lieutenant governor in 2026 ^[24]

Organizations

• Republicans for National Renewal ^[25]
• Alabama Farmers Federation ^[26]
• Alabama Forestry Association ^[27]
• Associated Builders and Contractors Alabama ^[28]
• Associated Builders and Contractors North Alabama ^[28]
• Business Council of Alabama ^[29]
• Club for Growth ^[30]
• Electric Cooperatives of Alabama ^[31]
• Manufacture Alabama ^[32]
• Petroleum Marketers Association of Alabama ^[33]

Will Ainsworth (declined)

State legislators

• Nathaniel Ledbetter, speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives (2023–present) from the 24th district (2014–present) (later endorsed Tuberville) ^[34]

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of January 31, 2026
Candidate	Raised	Other receipts	Spent	Cash on hand
Ken McFeeters (R)	$0	$20,000	$8,576	$11,423
Tommy Tuberville (R)	$10,141,385	$53,520	$2,710,947	$7,483,958
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]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Will Boyd, former Greenville, Illinois city councilor and perennial candidate ^[43]
• Ja'Mel Brown, online pastor ^[44]
• Yolanda Flowers, educator and nominee for governor in 2022 ^[45]
• Doug Jones, former U.S. senator (2018–2021) ^[46]
• Chad Chig Martin, hemp business owner and candidate for governor in 2022 ^[47]
• Nate Mathis, former state representative from the 87th district (1983–1995) and perennial candidate ^[48]

Endorsements

Will Boyd

Party officials

• Jaime Harrison, former chair of the Democratic National Committee (2021–2025) ^[49]

Organizations

• Alabama Cannabis Coalition ^[50]

Doug Jones

U.S. representatives

• Terri Sewell, AL-07 (2011–present) ^[51]

State legislators

• Bobby Singleton, minority leader of the Alabama Senate (2019–present) from the 24th district (2005–present) ^[52]
• Anthony Daniels, minority leader of the Alabama House of Representatives (2017–present) from the 53rd district (2014–present) ^[51]
• Phillip Ensler, state representative from the 74th district (2022–present) ^[52]

Individuals

• Jason Isbell, singer-songwriter ^[53]

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of January 31, 2026
Candidate	Raised	Other receipts	Spent	Cash on hand
Will Boyd (D)	$49,982	$220	$45,147	$5,504
Doug Jones (D)	$983,876	$0	$123,101	$860,775
Chad Chig Martin (D)	$22,203	$0	$14,832	$9,872
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. ^[54] He officially launched his campaign in November 2025. ^[55] Following reporters that Jones would announce a campaign, Boyd's campaign responded by stating that he would not be dropping out of the race. ^[56]

Jones focused on Tommy Tuberville's residency issue in his campaign. He also expressed his support for a state lottery in Alabama. ^[57] If elected, he also pledged to remove members of the Alabama Public Library Service, and replace them with nonpartisan members. ^[58]

Independent and third-party candidates

Declared

• Ronald Burnette Jr. (Independent, write-in) ^[59]

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report [60]	Solid R	September 11, 2025
Inside Elections [61]	Solid R	August 28, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball [62]	Safe R	September 4, 2025
Race to the WH [63]	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) [64]	November 12–13, 2025	605 (LV)	± 4.0%	53%	34%	13%

See also

• 2026 United States gubernatorial elections

Notes

1. 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. 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. 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. "Political Race Search". Alabama FCPA. Retrieved February 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.
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. 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. Britt, Bill (November 24, 2025). "Doug Jones files paperwork to run for Alabama governor in 2026". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
52. Barrett, Anna (December 12, 2025). "Doug Jones kicks off Alabama gubernatorial campaign with vision of 'crowded table'". Alabama Reflector. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
53. Yaffee, Michael (December 8, 2025). "Doug Jones hosting kickoff event for longshot '26 gubernatorial bid in Birmingham". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
54. Barrett, Anna (July 2, 2025). "Doug Jones endorses, plans to campaign for Cullman County Democrat". Alabama Reflector. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
55. 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.
56. Chitwood, Bill (November 23, 2025). "Dr. Will Boyd Responds to Reports of Doug Jones Governors Run". ALPolitics.com. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
57. Cortes, Tony (February 1, 2026). "Doug Jones visits Huntsville, speaks on campaign for governor". WHNT. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
58. Holmes, Jacob (February 9, 2026). "Jones vows to remove APLS members if elected governor". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
59. Haymond, Abby (December 12, 2025). "Doug Jones kicks off Alabama gubernatorial campaign". FOX 10 . Retrieved December 17, 2025.
60. "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
61. "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections . Retrieved February 7, 2025.
62. "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
63. "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
64. "Tuberville in Control While Jones Faces Impossible Odds" (PDF). Cygnal. November 17, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.

External links

Official campaign websites

• Will Boyd (D) for Governor
• Doug Jones (D) for Governor
• Chad Chig Martin (D) for Governor
• Ken McFeeters (R) for Governor
• Tommy Tuberville (R) for Governor