Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones’ decision to file for the 2026 governor’s race on Monday immediately set off a wave of Republicans dismissing his chances and Democrats welcoming the return of one of the party’s most recognizable figures.
Jones, who represented Alabama in the U.S. Senate from 2018 to 2021, enters a field already dominated by Senator Tommy Tuberville, who announced in August that he would seek the governor’s office. Jones’ filing formalizes a matchup that many political observers had long anticipated.
The Alabama Republican Party moved quickly to frame Jones’ candidacy as a non-threat to the state’s dominant conservative coalition.
Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl issued a statement, saying the party has no concerns about Jones entering the race.
“The Alabama Republican Party is not worried about Doug Jones entering the governor’s race. His record in the U.S. Senate spoke for itself — a consistent pattern of voting for extreme liberal policies that placed him firmly in line with the radical principles of the National Democrat party and far outside the values of the people of Alabama,” said Wahl.
Wahl said voters have already rendered judgment on Jones and remain confident as they head into 2026.
“Voters across Alabama already know who Doug Jones is, and they have soundly rejected him and his leftist views. The bottom line is simple: Doug Jones has proven that his political philosophy does not match who we are as a state.
“We are confident that Senator Tommy Tuberville — along with the principles and vision of the Republican Party — will once again earn the overwhelming support of Alabama voters. Our party remains united, focused, and ready to continue delivering strong conservative leadership for Alabama.”
Tuberville’s campaign echoed that tone, signaling that Tuberville views Jones as a familiar opponent whose prior statewide performance does not inspire concern.
“Last time Doug Jones ran against Coach Tuberville, it didn’t go well for Doug,” campaign spokeswoman Mallory Jaspers wrote on social media ahead of Jones’ announcement.
Jasper emphasized Tuberville’s early groundwork in the race.
“Coach has spent the past six months building coalitions across the state, securing endorsements from every key player in Alabama politics, and shattering fundraising records.”
Jones remains the most well-known Democrat in Alabama politics, and party insiders hope his presence on the ballot will boost turnout. Jones’ campaign has not yet released a detailed platform. Still, he has already framed the race around the need for what he calls “responsible, present leadership,” a pointed reference to Tuberville, whose frequent national controversies have drawn criticism.
The 2026 governor’s race now features two figures who already have a well-documented electoral history together. But this time, they enter the race under different circumstances, with Tuberville seeking to transition from the U.S. Senate to the governor’s office and Jones attempting another path back into statewide politics.
