Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones launched his 2026 campaign for governor Friday night in Birmingham.
Speaking on the eighth anniversary of his special election win, Jones addressed a packed crowd of more than 1,000 supporters, framing the race as a test of whether Alabama will remain under one-party control or move toward a more inclusive, accountable state government.
Referencing the song “Crowded Table” by The Highwomen, Jones said his vision is for an Alabama where “everybody is welcome,” and every community has a voice.
“That victory in 2017 was about unity and belonging,” said Jones. “It showed what can happen when people reject fear and division and choose hope instead. That’s the Alabama I want us to build again.”
Jones’ address mixed nostalgia with pointed policy promises and sharp criticism of Republicans who dominate state government.
He pledged to expand Medicaid, protect reproductive health care including in-vitro fertilization and contraception, invest in mental health services and overhaul what he called Alabama’s “antiquated” voting system.
Health care took center stage throughout the speech. Jones argued that Medicaid expansion is essential to stabilizing rural hospitals, improving maternal health outcomes and ensuring working families can afford care. If lawmakers refuse to act, he said he would move to expand Medicaid through executive action.
“We’re going to do everything in our power to get health care to every Alabamian,” said Jones. “And if that means using the governor’s pen to get it started, then that’s exactly what I’ll do.”
Jones also criticized overcrowded prisons, saying Alabama relies too heavily on incarceration while neglecting mental health treatment. Drawing on his experience as a former U.S. attorney, he said public safety and compassion are not mutually exclusive.
“We talk a good game about mental health, but then we just warehouse people in prison instead of getting them the help they need,” said Jones
Voting rights were another major theme. Jones called for early voting and an end to straight-ticket voting, arguing that current laws are designed to keep people out of the political process rather than encourage participation.
“When politicians cling to systems that suppress votes instead of competing for them, they’re not serving Alabama,” Jones said. “They’re serving themselves.”
Much of Jones’ criticism was aimed at U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, widely expected to be the Republican nominee. Jones accused Tuberville of putting national party politics ahead of Alabama’s needs, particularly on health care, and mocked what he described as the senator’s tenuous ties to the state. He also aimed at Tuberville for opposing an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies prior that week, which Jones said many Alabama families rely on to afford health insurance.
“Alabama cannot be an afterthought,” said Jones. “We deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and puts families first.”
The event had the feel of both a campaign rally and a reunion. Grammy Award-winning Alabama singer-songwriter Jason Isbell performed a short set before introducing Jones’ wife, Louise, whom he called “the most important person on the campaign.”
“Long before Doug ever considered running for office, he was the kind of person who stepped forward when others were stepping back. Someone who listens first, leads with integrity and believes deeply in the power of service,” she said.
“Even when the issues are hard and the stakes are high, he believes our state is strongest when every community has a voice. That’s what real leadership looks like.”
As the crowd cheered and waved campaign signs, Jones closed by urging supporters to get involved immediately, calling the campaign a collective effort that will require persistence through Election Day.
“Progress doesn’t come from one person,” he said. “It comes when we work together and believe in what we can accomplish as one Alabama.”
