Alabama Voters Prioritize Economy in New Poll

Alabama’s business leaders received a strong message from voters this past Saturday: the economy is top of mind.

At the Annual Government Issues Council hosted by the Business Council of Alabama, a new poll by Cygnal revealed that 59% of Republican voters believe elected officials should focus on economic matters, like employment, tax cuts, and infrastructure, rather than other significant political issues.

Cygnal Intelligence, founded in Montgomery by Brent Buchanan in 2007, has gained national recognition and a solid reputation as a research organization.

The recent polls, conducted last month, delved into voter priorities, the business climate, and the evolving political landscape ahead of 2026.

Jason Isbel, vice president of state government issues and economic development at regional banks, hosted the panel discussion.

Key issues identified in the poll included inflation, taxes, immigration, infrastructure, and employment. Brown, a representative at the event, mentioned that these insights align with findings Cygnal has observed throughout the South.

“It’s not just good policy; it’s also good politics,” Brown stated.

He emphasized that voters seek a brighter future for themselves and their families, noting that addressing these economic concerns is not merely about winning votes.

BCA leaders throughout the day highlighted their involvement in various initiatives related to these issues, collaborating with the Alabama Growth Alliance to align voter expectations with ongoing projects like statewide broadband expansion.

When discussing barriers to business growth, 26% of respondents pointed to workforce challenges as the foremost concern. Other local issues emerged as well; rural voters cited “high taxes and fees,” while urban respondents mentioned “poor infrastructure.”

Brown noted that these patterns reflect the qualitative analyses Cygnal conducted through its emotional tools. Small business owners tended to focus on regulations, taxes, and capital access, while many workers expressed frustration over limited advancement opportunities, longing for larger employers.

A different survey question indicated that generally, voters view Alabama’s environment for small businesses positively, with only 8% describing it as “very unsupportive.”

In a broader context, Brown put Alabama’s sentiment into perspective with national trends. Cygnal’s weekly polls since late 2022 show a gradual shift in attitudes toward the right and wrong track, indicating a stable political climate.

The current congressional vote indicates a strong Republican position, contrasting sharply with the more contentious environment seen in the mid-term elections of 2018. “Campaign officials are pleased with this,” Brown remarked, noting that the political landscape in Alabama differs from the nationwide turbulence.

Regarding Donald Trump’s standing, Brown indicated that support among Republican voters remains solid and is unlikely to change over the next four years.

In Alabama, polls suggest that Trump maintains roughly an 80% favorability rating in these strongly Republican areas.

Governor Ivey also emerges as one of the most popular governors nationwide.

Brown commented, “That’s a very strong number for a leader.” He mentioned his connection to Alabama’s next gubernatorial candidate, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville.

Key Polling Numbers

• US Senator Tommy Tuberville: ~69% favorable / 22% unfavorable.
• US Senator Katie Britt: ~70% favorable / 21% unfavorable.
• Governor Kay Ivey: ~71% favorable / 21% unfavorable.

Brown noted that Alabama state officials enjoy considerable support among Republican voters.

The final takeaway for lawmakers and business leaders was straightforward: prioritize economic policies.

Brown advised, “Your members, your voters, they want more economic change.” He urged leaders not to overlook this desire, stressing that people are eager to see improvements for their futures and their children’s.