Former Senator Doug Jones Launches Democratic Bid for Alabama Governor in 2026
Former Democratic Senator Doug Jones has officially announced his candidacy for Alabama governor in the 2026 midterm elections, aiming to succeed term-limited Governor Kay Ivey.
Overview
- Doug Jones, a former Democratic senator, officially announced his campaign for governor of Alabama for the 2026 midterm elections by filing paperwork and releasing a video.
- Jones previously served as the last Democrat elected to statewide office in Alabama in 2017, winning a special election to the Senate.
- He lost his Senate re-election bid in 2020 to Republican Tommy Tuberville, who is also now running for governor of Alabama.
- Jones's decision to run for governor comes as current Governor Kay Ivey is term-limited and cannot seek re-election in 2026.
- This marks Jones's return to Alabama's political landscape, seeking the state's highest office after his tenure in the U.S. Senate.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Doug Jones's gubernatorial bid by immediately highlighting the significant challenges he faces in a "solidly Republican state." They emphasize his likely opponent Tommy Tuberville's past residency controversies and financial advantage, while also noting Jones's previous loss to Tuberville. This collective editorial approach sets a narrative of an "uphill climb" for Jones from the outset.
"Jones announced his candidacy in a video on social media, saying he would officially kick off his campaign after the Thanksgiving holiday."
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FAQ
Doug Jones is a former Democratic U.S. Senator from Alabama who served from 2018 to 2021. He won a special Senate election in 2017 and lost his 2020 re-election bid to Republican Tommy Tuberville.
Doug Jones decided to run for governor as the current Republican Governor Kay Ivey is term-limited and cannot seek re-election in 2026, opening the race for Alabama’s highest office.
His main Republican opponent is Senator Tommy Tuberville, who defeated Jones in the 2020 Senate race and is also running for governor. Jones will also face Democratic primary challengers including hemp business owner Chad “Chig” Martin and pastor Will Boyd.
Doug Jones is focusing on issues like affordability for Alabamians, healthcare costs, failing schools, and creating good-paying jobs as key priorities in his gubernatorial campaign.
Democratic leaders have praised Jones’s entry as energizing for the Democratic base, while Republican campaign representatives emphasize Tuberville’s strong coalitions and fundraising, considering the race likely already decided in Tuberville’s favor.
History
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