Full Breakdown
Southern Democrats Bet on Alabama Shift
By Drooid · · How we work
Democratic Push in the 2026 Alabama Gubernatorial Race
Doug Jones, the Democratic nominee for governor, has been touring the state’s “reddest” regions, holding town-hall meetings in Dothan and Troy. He faces incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is running for re-election to the Senate while also defending the GOP’s dominance in statewide offices. Alongside him, Black U.S. House member Shomari Figures is campaigning for the open congressional seat, and Mississippi prosecutor Scott Colom is contesting the Senate seat held by Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith. The campaigns are framed as a coordinated effort to mobilize Black voters and “stubborn independents” who feel alienated by recent Republican policies.
Background & Context
Alabama has been under Republican control for almost two decades, with the last Democrat to hold statewide office defeated in 2012. Recent Republican actions—such as an abortion ban without a rape exemption and the Supreme Court’s reversal of a 2023 decision that had required the state to redraw districts to protect Black voting power—have sparked backlash. The state also remains one of ten that did not expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, leaving many working residents without coverage.
Data & Statistics
- Median individual income in Alabama is $34,000 before taxes and expenses.
- Both Jones and Figures have raised about $1.3 million each for their campaigns.
- Democratic primary turnout has doubled since 2022, though roughly 58 % of primary voters were Republican.
- In recent statewide races, Democratic candidates have struggled to exceed roughly 40 % of the vote.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For me, it can’t be just about getting a Senate majority,” — Scott Colom