2026 Governor Race Alabama: 7 Shocking Developments That Could Reshape the State’s Future

The 2026 governor race Alabama is already one of the most talked-about political contests in the South. With Governor Kay Ivey term-limited after nearly a decade in office, the race presents a rare opportunity for both parties to redefine Alabama’s future. As of mid-2025, campaign activity is heating up with high-profile declarations, early polling, and fierce ideological debates. The absence of an incumbent has drawn a wide array of contenders, each eager to seize the open seat in a deeply conservative but increasingly dynamic state.

In this four-part deep dive, we uncover 7 key developments shaking up Alabama’s 2026 governor race and what they mean for voters, parties, and policy.

Why the 2026 Governor Race Alabama Is a Game-Changer

Open Field After a Decade

The 2026 election marks Alabama’s first open-seat governor’s race in over a decade. Republican Kay Ivey, who has served since 2017, is constitutionally barred from running again, creating a political power vacuum in a state where incumbents usually dominate.

The absence of an incumbent not only increases competitiveness but also invites a reshuffling of Alabama’s GOP power structure, with several prominent Republicans reconsidering their career paths. Meanwhile, Democrats, long shut out of state leadership, see this as their best chance in years to chip away at Republican dominance.

Top Reasons This Race Is Turning Heads

Election Timeline at a Glance

Candidates Shaping the 2026 Alabama Governor Race

Confirmed Candidates (as of June 25, 2025)

Republican Party

Democratic Party

Potential & Speculated Candidates

Republicans

• John Merrill – Former Secretary of State; reputation damage from 2021 scandal.
• Kent Davis – Former VA Commissioner; low statewide name recognition.
• Sandy Stimpson – Mobile Mayor; strong local support.
• Jack Hawkins – Troy Chancellor; academic credentials.
• Tim James – Businessman, son of ex-Gov. Fob James.
• Lynda Blanchard – Ex-Ambassador; self-funding potential.

Democrats

• Doug Jones – Former U.S. Senator; only Democrat to win statewide in decades.
• Randall Woodfin – Birmingham Mayor; potential progressive powerhouse.

Notable Dropouts & Endorsements

• Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, initially seen as a frontrunner, endorsed Tommy Tuberville and exited the race. His departure consolidated GOP support around Tuberville early.
• Attorney General Steve Marshall is opting to run for U.S. Senate, vacating another high-profile opportunity and avoiding direct conflict with Trump-endorsed candidates.

Early Polling (June 2025)

These early numbers position Tuberville as a dominant figure, though Democratic voters may coalesce around a stronger nominee if Doug Jones or Woodfin enter.

Hot-Button Issues Defining the 2026 Governor Race Alabama

The 2026 governor race Alabama isn’t just about personalities; it’s a battleground of ideologies, values, and policy priorities. Voters are already divided on major issues that will shape Alabama’s future long after the election is over.

Abortion and the Alabama Human Life Protection Act

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Alabama’s near-total abortion ban, the Alabama Human Life Protection Act, has become one of the most restrictive in the country. There are no exceptions for rape or incest, only to prevent serious harm to the mother. This issue:

• Energizes Democratic candidates, who call for exceptions and women’s rights.
• Remains a litmus test for Republicans in the primary, any hint of compromise risks alienating Trump’s base.
• Tuberville has supported the ban, calling it a “moral victory.”
• Will Boyd and other Democrats have pledged to introduce exceptions and improve maternal healthcare access.

Education Reform: The RAISE Act & School Choice Debate

Education is a top-tier issue in the 2026 governor race Alabama, especially due to:

• The RAISE Act passed in 2025, which:
  • Overhauled the school funding formula
  • Increased funding for high-poverty and special needs students
  • Added $375 million over three years to stabilize funding
• The CHOOSE Act, which promotes school choice and provides tax credits for private education

Controversies:

• Teacher unions and some Democrats argue the CHOOSE Act diverts funds from public schools.
• Republicans, led by Tuberville, argue school choice “empowers parents, not bureaucrats.”
• Expect fiery debates between candidates over public education funding vs. school privatization.

Crime, Policing & Alabama’s Prison Crisis

Alabama’s violent, overcrowded prison system remains under federal scrutiny. Some of the challenges include:

• Court-ordered federal oversight of prison conditions.
• Ongoing construction delays and budget overruns on new prisons.
• Rising rural crime rates, fueling demands for more law enforcement investment.

Where the candidates stand:

• Republicans emphasize law-and-order policies and propose increasing corrections funding.
• Democrats want criminal justice reform, better prison oversight, and drug decriminalization in some cases.

Climate Resilience and Infrastructure Modernization

Climate policy might not dominate headlines, but extreme weather and heatwaves are shifting the conversation:

• 2025 heat wave broke multiple temperature records, overwhelming Alabama’s aging power grid.
• Tornado-prone counties are demanding better storm shelter funding and infrastructure resilience.
• Federal dollars from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are flowing into the state, but how they’re allocated will depend on the next governor.

Healthcare Access and Medicaid Expansion

Despite being one of the poorest states in the U.S., Alabama has refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Key Impacts:

• Over 300,000 low-income Alabamians remain uninsured.
• Rural hospitals continue to close at alarming rates.
• Alabama ranks 47th in health outcomes nationally.

Where they stand:

• Republicans remain unified in opposition, citing cost.
• Democrats have made Medicaid expansion a central campaign promise, with Will Boyd calling it “a moral and economic imperative.”

Who’s Running for Governor in Alabama (2026)?

Final Thoughts: What Makes the 2026 Governor Race Alabama So Critical?

The 2026 governor race Alabama is not just another election, it’s a turning point for a state deeply embedded in national conservative politics and currently facing transformative challenges.

This race features:

• An open seat, guaranteeing change.
• Nationally known figures like Tommy Tuberville entering the race.
• Hot-button issues like abortion bans, crumbling prisons, and teacher shortages dominating the debate.
• A deep divide between traditional Republicans, MAGA conservatives, and progressive Democrats looking to make inroads in a deep-red state.

The results will not only determine Alabama’s political direction, but also signal the future of Trumpism, conservative education reform, and Democratic strategy in Southern states. Whether you’re asking “who is running for governor in 2026” or “how long has Kay Ivey been governor,” one thing is clear: the 2026 Alabama governor race will be one of the most consequential elections in the state’s modern history.

FAQs About the 2026 Governor Race Alabama