Former senator Doug Jones has officially launched his campaign for the governorship of Alabama in 2026. The kickoff event took place at “The Theodore” in Birmingham, attracting supporters from across the state and marking a meaningful milestone for Jones. Coincidentally, the campaign launch falls on the eighth anniversary of his election to the U.S. Senate, which took place in 2017.
During his address, Jones emphasized the importance of hope and unity, stating, “We gave people hope. Hope for less chaos. Hope for more unity. Hope for a stronger democracy. And today, eight years later, we’re rekindling that hope. That optimism… let’s face it, there is a greater urgency for hope today than there was in 2017.”
As the race heats up, the Democratic and Republican primaries are slated for May 19, 2026, when voters will select their nominees for the general election. Currently, Jones faces competition from four other Democratic candidates: Will Boyd, a pastor with previous political experience; Ja’mel Brown, an online pastor; Chad Chig Martin, a business owner; and Yolanda Flowers, an educator who has also previously run for office.
On the Republican side, Jones will be up against notable candidates, including Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is leaving his Senate seat to pursue the governorship. Tuberville is facing a challenge from former congressional candidate Ken McFeeters.
The upcoming election presents an opportunity for a fresh start in Alabama’s leadership, and Jones’s emphasis on hope and unity resonates deeply in a politically charged atmosphere. As the campaign develops, it will be interesting to see how the candidates address the concerns of Alabamians and what their visions for the state will entail.