Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones officially entered the 2026 race for governor of Alabama on Monday, signaling a possible rematch with Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who defeated him in the 2020 Senate election.
According to The Associated Press, Jones filed campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State’s Office and posted a video announcing his candidacy.
“I am running for governor of Alabama,” Jones said in the video. “Folks in Alabama deserve a governor who is going to fight for them.” He plans a formal campaign kickoff next month.
Jones stressed the importance of local leadership, noting, “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, who understands the people of this state. And Alabama wants their next governor to be someone who treats this state with grace and dignity and not just like a rest stop on the way to the Florida beach.”
Many interpreted the remark as a pointed jab at Tuberville, who owns a $4 million beach home in Florida.
Highlighting the state’s economic struggles, Jones said, “In rural communities and big cities, the gap between living costs and income keeps growing. We need to give Alabamians a real path, real relief, and economic opportunity.”
He framed his campaign around issues like rising food, housing, and healthcare costs.
Jones first rose to national prominence as a lawyer and former U.S. attorney, most notably prosecuting two Ku Klux Klansmen involved in the 1963 Birmingham church bombing.
He won a surprise Senate victory in 2017 against Republican Roy Moore, who was facing sexual misconduct allegations at the time. Three years later, Tuberville unseated him by more than 400,000 votes.
Tuberville’s campaign quickly fired back. Spokeswoman Mallory Jaspers said, “Last time Doug Jones ran against Coach Tuberville, it didn’t go well for Doug… This race is already over — but if Comrade Doug wants to get blown out again, be our guest.”
Alabama has not elected a Democratic governor in more than two decades.
Kevin Donohoe of the Democratic Governors Association said Jones has a path to compete, citing Democratic wins in other traditionally red states and emphasizing the state’s economic challenges.
Jones’ announcement sets the stage for what could be a high-profile, closely watched gubernatorial contest in a deeply Republican state.
