Alabama Governor Race 2026: Candidates and Election Guide
Learn who is running for Alabama governor in 2026, how the race works and where to confirm the official candidate list.
Alabama Governor Race 2026: Candidates and Election Guide
Updated November 2, 2026 | U.S. English | Pre-election editorial edition
Alabama’s 2026 governor election features Republican Tommy Tuberville and Democrat Doug Jones as the major general-election candidates. The race is for a state executive office, not for the U.S. Senate. Election Day is November 3, 2026.
Who is running for Alabama governor?
The November 3, 2026, race for governor in Alabama has the following major general-election candidates in the sources reviewed for this article. This list describes the race before voting, not a result or a prediction.
Tommy Tuberville (Republican): A U.S. senator and former college football coach seeking the governor’s office.
Doug Jones (Democratic): A former U.S. senator and former federal prosecutor seeking the governor’s office.
The election administrator’s final candidate roster takes precedence over summaries, particularly for write-in or minor-party options. A campaign announcement or primary candidacy alone does not establish November ballot access.
Why this race matters
Gov. Kay Ivey is term-limited, which makes the contest an open-seat governor race. The incoming governor will be responsible for state executive leadership and administration, subject to the constraints of Alabama law and the legislature.
A race may be important for state policy, the makeup of Congress, or the political direction of a particular office. Those stakes describe what voters are choosing; they are not evidence about who will win.
Issues to compare
Areas that voters may want to compare include education financing, workforce development, the state budget, taxation, health-care access and public safety. Evaluate candidates’ own statements on each subject rather than assuming a uniform position from a party label.
Compare specific plans and public records rather than treating slogans as verified promises. Where a proposal needs approval by a legislature or another institution, a candidate’s victory would not, by itself, implement it.
Election date and how to follow it
Voting takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Eligible voters in Alabama should verify their assigned polling location, hours, identification requirements and any mail-ballot instructions through the state election office before going to the polls.
Because Tuberville is a U.S. senator, readers should distinguish the governor race from the separate U.S. Senate election. Voting for governor does not select Alabama’s U.S. senator.
After polls close, watch for state-issued unofficial returns, then for the canvass and certification. A projection by a newsroom can be useful context but is not an official certification.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the major candidates?
Republican Tommy Tuberville and Democrat Doug Jones.
Is Kay Ivey seeking another term?
She is term-limited in 2026.
Does the governor represent Alabama in the U.S. Senate?
No. The governor and U.S. senator are separate offices.
Related guides
2026 US Midterm Elections: Dates, Races, Voting and Results — /topic/2026-midterm-elections/
Alabama Elections 2026: What Is on the November Ballot? — /topic/2026-midterm-elections/alabama-elections-2026/
Editorial note
This guide was prepared using sources reviewed through November 2, 2026. Election procedures, candidate listings and ballot status should be checked against the relevant state or local election office before use. No November 3 vote result or election winner is asserted.