Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones has officially announced his candidacy for the governorship of Alabama in the upcoming 2026 election. Jones, who previously made history by winning a special Senate election in 2017, revealed his plans during a campaign launch on social media, shortly after submitting his candidacy paperwork to the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office.
Jones’s entry into the race sets the stage for a potential rematch against Tommy Tuberville, the Republican incumbent who defeated him in the 2020 Senate race. Tuberville, a former football coach with backing from former President Donald Trump, is also gearing up for a gubernatorial campaign. Both candidates will face party primaries in May before the general election in November.
In a video posted on social media, Jones stated, “I am running for governor of Alabama. Folks in Alabama deserve a governor who is going to fight for them.” His official campaign kickoff is scheduled for next month.
Jones emphasized the importance of local leadership, saying, “What we have heard all along is that Alabama wants their next governor to be someone who lives here, who works here, who listens to the people of this state.” He criticized Tuberville’s connection to Florida, alluding to concerns about Tuberville’s residency during the 2020 election campaign. Tuberville has been labeled a “Florida man” by opponents due to his ownership of a $270,000 home in Auburn, Alabama, and a $4 million beach property in Walton County, Florida.
Jones’s announcement follows weeks of speculation about his intentions. At a Blueprint Alabama event earlier this spring, he hinted at his plans, stating, “Stay tuned.” He has expressed a commitment to remain active in Alabama politics, declaring, “One way or another, I am going to stay in the fight.”
A prominent lawyer and former U.S. attorney, Jones is known for prosecuting two members of the Ku Klux Klan responsible for the tragic 1963 Birmingham church bombing. His political career took off when he won a special election against Republican Roy Moore, who was embroiled in sexual misconduct allegations. Since then, Jones has been the last Democrat to hold a statewide office in Alabama, as Republicans have dominated the governor’s office for over two decades.
The last Democrat to serve as governor was Don Siegelman, who lost his position in 2002 to Republican Bob Riley by a narrow margin. The Alabama political landscape has been challenging for Democrats, but some party officials see potential for a competitive race. Kevin Donohoe, a spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association, highlighted recent Democratic successes in states like Kentucky, Kansas, and North Carolina, suggesting that Alabama could be next.
Donohoe pointed out, “With health care costs rising, schools failing, and not enough good-paying jobs, Alabama families are hurting — but Tommy Tuberville would only make things worse.” He stressed the need for new leadership in Alabama that can effectively address the state’s challenges.
As Jones prepares for his campaign, the Alabama gubernatorial race is poised to become a focal point for both parties, with issues of local leadership and state identity at the forefront of the discussion. The next few months will be critical as candidates lay out their platforms and seek support from voters across the state.
