Who is running for governor of Alabama in 2026?

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Amid media reports claiming he was gearing up to run for governor of Alabama next year, Sen. Tommy Tuberville recently took to social media, saying he was “still praying” about how to best serve the state.

According to the Alabama Constitution of 2022, Gov. Kay Ivey will be ineligible to run for a third consecutive term, allowing for a new Republican candidate to run in the upcoming primary.

Tuberville, who has served in the Senate since 2021, is one of several potential candidates–Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth included– who are considering joining the governor’s race, one that is already being closely watched by both Republicans and Democrats alike in Alabama.

Some Republicans said they want to see a campaign full of new ideas and policies.

“Immigration is important,” said Mason Dyess, chairman of the Hale County Republican Party. “But, I would argue that is not as important to somebody that has to send their child to a failing school everyday. So we need to confront these issues head on.”

“Of course, there’s some interesting names that have been rumored,” said Tuscaloosa County Republican Party chairman Quinn Roe. “So, each of them have some backgrounds that could make for an interesting race for sure.

Democrats said these backgrounds could sway voters.

“And, I see that these regressive policies under the Trump Administration is probably going to be a blessing in disguise,” said Randy Kelley, chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party.

Dyess said that if Tuberville decides to run, seeing who would fill his seat in the Senate would be a race worth watching.

“There’s a number of candidates who I’m really interested to see– John Merrill, our attorney general [Steve Marshall],” he explained. “I’m sure there will be more coming out of the woodworks.”

Even Doug Jones, who represented Alabama in the U.S. Senate from 2018 to his loss to Tuberville in 2021, hasn’t ruled out running for his old seat again.

“There is so much that I think is adversely affecting Alabama, and the people in this state,” Jones said. “I’m gonna stay in the fight. One way or another, I’m gonna stay in the fight. And, where that will take me right now I’m just not sure. We’re gonna be looking at a lot of different things.”

Until then, Jones said the ideal Democratic candidate should be able to reach everyday Alabamians.

“They’re gonna go into more rural areas, where farmers are struggling, where veterans are struggling,” he said. “Those are the kind of candidates I think, that can be authentic.”

Other offices up for grabs include lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

The primaries will take place on May 26, 2026. The general election will be held November 3, 2026.