2026 Alabama gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:	2026 Alabama gubernatorial election
Country:	Alabama
Type:	gubernatorial
Ongoing:	yes
Previous Election:	2022 Alabama gubernatorial election
Previous Year:	2022
Next Election:	2030 Alabama gubernatorial election
Next Year:	2030
Election Date:	November 3, 2026
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Governor
Before Election:	Kay Ivey
Before Party:	Republican Party (United States)

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.

Republican primary

Candidates

Publicly expressed interest

• Will Ainsworth, Lieutenant Governor of Alabama (2019–present)^{[1] [2]}
• Lynda Blanchard, Former U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia (2019–2021), and candidate for governor in 2022^[3]
• Rick Pate, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries (2019–present)^[4]
• Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senator (2021–present)^{[5] [6]}

Potential

• Tommy Battle, mayor of Huntsville (2008–present) and candidate for governor in 2018
• Lew Burdette, Businessman and candidate for governor in 2022
• Tim James, businessman, son of former governor Fob James, and candidate for governor in 2002, 2010, and 2022
• Steve Marshall, Alabama Attorney General (2017–present)

Endorsements

Democratic primary

Candidates

Potential

• Doug Jones, former U.S. Senator (2018–2021)
• Chris Sykes, Executive Director, Alabama Wildlife Center (2022–present)
• Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham (2017–present)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Flowers . Steve . 2023-03-28 . 2026 governor’s race has already begun . 2023-05-25 . Alex City Outlook . en.
2. Web site: Cason . Mike . 2024-08-04 . Will Ainsworth considering a run for governor of Alabama in 2026 . 2024-08-09 . al . en.
3. Web site: Taylor 07.26.24 . Caleb . 'It’s always a possibility': Lindy Blanchard on 2026 bid for governor… . 2024-07-28 . 1819 News . en-US.
4. Web site: Sell . Mary . 2024-05-30 . Pate for governor? Ag commissioner to consider 2026 bid . 2024-06-14 . Alabama Daily News . en-US.
5. Web site: Everett . Grayson . 2024-08-08 . Who’s running for Governor of Alabama in 2026? . 2024-08-09 . Yellowhammer News . en-US.
6. Web site: Baker 09.06.24 . Trent . Tuberville doesn't shoot down potential 2026 gubernatorial bid — 'I… . 2024-09-07 . 1819 News . en-US.