Alabama Politics: A Year of Preparation

We’ve been closely watching Alabama politics, almost like kids anticipating Christmas morning. There’s a palpable excitement about May 19—it’s the official start date for candidates vying for the governor and other key state offices. Why May 19? Well, it marks exactly one year before the primary election scheduled for May 19, 2026, when candidates can officially begin raising campaign funds.

The buzz around the governor’s race and the U.S. Senate campaign is significant, but let’s not overlook the legislative side of things. In Montgomery, special interests and powerful lobbyists are just as focused on the 105 legislative seats—especially the 35 state Senate positions. Alabama’s constitution grants substantial authority to the state legislature, and those with financial backing tend to dictate the rules.

This is where money talks. The lobbyists, after a three-year period without direct fundraising, are gearing up to call in favors. Those lawmakers are ready to cash in their “IOUs,” as the fundraising frenzy begins. Let’s be real; while everyone else is chasing after the big bucks, the candidates for statewide offices are hoping there’s something left for them.

Senator “Coach” Tommy Tuberville seems well-positioned for the governor’s office, making the competition feel less intense than expected. Meanwhile, the spotlight will shift to the U.S. Senate race next year, which Tuberville oversees as he steps in for a six-year term. The dynamics of this race are complex, as the open seat comes with its own challenges. The lack of contribution limits in the primary adds to the mix, complicating things for candidates in a state where the primary might as well be the election itself.

As candidates gear up for the May 19, 2026 primary, some may have more personal wealth to leverage, making things interesting. There were a couple of burning questions leading up to this announcement: Would Tuberville leave his secure Senate position to chase the governor’s seat? And would state Supreme Court Judge Jay Mitchell step down to run for Attorney General? Looks like the answers are yes on both counts.

Alabama law stipulates that if a Supreme Court justice seeks another political role, they must resign immediately, clearing the way for the governor to appoint a successor.

Gov. Kay Ivey has made another solid move in choosing Judge Bill Lewis as Mitchell’s replacement on the High Court. Lewis comes with strong qualifications and a lifelong Republican background. He was appointed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals earlier this year and has an extensive legal history in the area.

This left a gap in the Court of Civil Appeals for Ivey to fill, and she selected Covington County Circuit Judge Ben Borden. Borden has been a respected judge since 2016 and, like Lewis, has deep roots in the Republican Party. I’ve seen him develop over the years, and he’s known for his integrity and commitment to justice.

These significant appointments reflect well on the governor’s legacy of strong selections for judicial positions.

Until next week.