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.
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Republican primary
editCandidates
editPublicly expressed interest
edit- 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) (decision expected in February 2025)[1]
- Tommy Tuberville, U.S. senator (2021–present) (currently running for re-election)[5]
Potential
edit- Lew Burdette, women's shelter owner and candidate for governor in 2022[6]
- Jack Hawkins, chancellor of Troy University (1989–present)[7]
Declined
edit- Steve Marshall, Alabama Attorney General (2017–present)[8]
Endorsements
editWill Ainsworth[a]
State representatives
- Nathaniel Ledbetter, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives (2023–present) from the 24th district (2014–present)[9]
Democratic primary
editCandidates
editPotential
edit- Doug Jones, former U.S. senator (2018–2021)[10]
Notes
edit- ^ Has not declared his candidacy.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Willis, Alexander (January 10, 2025). "Former VA leader Davis floats run for governor; Ainsworth, Pate announcements pending". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
- ^ Taylor, Caleb (July 26, 2024). "'It's always a possibility': Lindy Blanchard on 2026 bid for governor…". 1819 News. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
- ^ Taylor, Caleb (December 13, 2024). "Former ADVA commissioner Kent Davis considering run for political office in 2026". 1819 News. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Shipley, Austen (January 8, 2025). "Tuberville on '26 run for governor: 'Never say never'". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
- ^ Everett, Grayson (August 8, 2024). "Who's running for Governor of Alabama in 2026?". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- ^ Taylor, Caleb (December 18, 2024). "Troy University chancellor Jack Hawkins for Governor? 'I've been encouraged to run'". 1819 News. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ Stacy, Todd (January 1, 2025). "From IAP: Steve Marshall won't run for governor". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
- ^ Poor, Jeff (July 5, 2023). "House Speaker Ledbetter endorses Ainsworth for governor in 2026 at annual Henagar event". 1819 News. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
- ^ Hall, Ryan (January 1, 2025). "Democrats and Republicans weigh in on 2026 Governor's Race". WIAT. Retrieved January 2, 2025.