The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), the state’s largest agricultural group, has revealed its endorsements for the upcoming 2026 elections.

Their influential FarmPac is expected to have a significant impact in the May Republican primary. The candidates they support include:

• Steve Marshall – US Senate
• Wes Allen – Lieutenant Governor
• Katherine Robertson – Attorney General
• Corey Hill – Agriculture Committee Member
• Caroline Dobson – Secretary of State
• Derek Chen – State Auditor
• Brad Mendeim – Supreme Court, Place 7
• Gregshaw – Supreme Court, Place 8
• Mary Wyndham – Court of Criminal Appeals, Location 4
• Beth Kellum – Court of Criminal Appeals, Location 5
• Ben Boden – Court of Civil Appeals, Location 4
• Matt Fridi – Court of Civil Appeals, Location 5
• Matt Gentry – Public Service Commission, Location 1
• Chris Beaker – Public Service Commission, Location 2

ALFA disclosed its recommendations after the Alabama Farm Pack’s busy schedule, which saw numerous candidates filing lawsuits for federal leadership across all 67 counties.

“Candidates often remark that the venue for our FarmPac conference is the most personal space in state politics, simply because they appreciate the importance of our grassroots support,” noted Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

“But, the real groundwork happens way before they gather in Montgomery. For months, these candidates have been connecting with local federal leaders and attending county meetings. The candidates we’re backing today are familiar with our community. We know them.”

“The 2026 election cycle is poised to be a pivotal moment for state government,” Parnell added. “With over 160 races on the ballot, as well as several key open seats, the choices voters make in May and November will shape Alabama’s future for years to come.”

Earlier, two endorsements had already been made. Tommy Tuberville was chosen as the gubernatorial candidate, and Young Boozer was recommended for reelection as state treasurer.

Tuberville is currently the sole Republican candidate for governor who has filed with the Secretary of State. This process began on May 19, 2025, and those raising or spending over $1,000 are required to submit paperwork.

While other potential Republican candidates have hinted at running for governor in 2026, Tuberville remains the only officially declared candidate. The deadline for filing is January 23, 2026, which is just a few months away.

Boozer, the current state treasurer, faced no opposition when filing with the Secretary of State at the time of the report. He’s noted as the longest-serving treasurer in Alabama’s history.

US Senator: Steve Marshall

Steve Marshall has been the state attorney general for the last 16 months. He has collaborated with attorneys general from other states, engaged in lawsuits, and challenged what he views as federal overreach by the Biden administration. He hails from Marshall County and previously worked as a district attorney there.

The US Senate seat is open since the incumbent is opting to run for governor instead of seeking reelection.

Marshall is currently up against five challengers: Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), tactical training employer and GOP candidate Jared Hudson, Morgan Murphy, a former national security adviser for Tommy Tuberville, Sen. Rodney Walker, and Wholey Fuel Company’s Morgan Murphy.

Governor: Wes Allen

Wes Allen, elected as Secretary of State in 2022, is vying for the open seat of Lieutenant Governor since the current Governor, Will Ainsworth, cannot run for a third consecutive term. Allen was previously a probate judge in Pike County, his home area.

Attorney General: Katherine Robertson

Katherine Robertson serves as a key advisor in the state attorney general’s office under AG Steve Marshall. She is a long-time farmer from Dallas County and is also a mother of two.

Agriculture Committee Member: Corey Hill

Corey Hill is the mayor of Douglas in DeKalb County and a committed ALFA member. He operates a fourth-generation poultry and cattle farm.

Secretary of State: Caroline Dobson

Caroline Dobson, a Montgomery real estate attorney, won the Republican nomination for Congress in 2024. She narrowly lost in the general election against a Democratic opponent. She’s originally from Monroe County.

State Auditor: Derek Chen

Derek Chen, a lawyer in Vestavia Hills, is entering his first political race. He has experience working for the Alabama Secretary’s Office and the Tuscaloosa District Attorney’s Office. Chen holds a law degree from Cumberland Law School in Birmingham and an MBA from the University of Alabama.

He’s a strong supporter of President Trump and has been known to visit Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate frequently.

Public Service Commission Location #1: Matt Gentry

Matt Gentry, the Kalman County Sheriff, has chosen not to pursue reelection to seek a seat on the Public Service Commission.

Public Service Commission Location #2: Chris Beaker

Chris Beaker was appointed to the PSC by Governor Kay Ivey late last year, taking over for his father, Chip Beaker. He previously served as Alabama’s rural development coordinator during the first Trump administration and resides in Tuscaloosa.

Court of Appeals

All the candidates approved for the Court of Appeals seats are incumbents.

ALFA boasts over 365,000 members across Alabama. The upcoming Republican primary is seen as crucial, akin to actual elections for various state positions. Notably, all statewide officials in Alabama, which leans Republican, are Republicans at this point.

The primary election is set for May 19, 2026. GOP winners will advance to the November general election against Democratic candidates who meet voting requirements and independents or third-party candidates.

In Alabama, politics is almost as popular as football.