Former Alabama Democrat U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Mountain Brook) has reportedly taken the first official step toward running for Governor of Alabama in 2026.
According to the Alabama Political Reporter, Jones has “quietly filed paperwork with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office to run for governor,” and the state’s leading Democrats are already converging to give him a boost.
His campaign confirmed the filing to APR on Monday, saying only that “Doug believes Alabama deserves leadership that listens, unites, and delivers real results.”
Two of the state’s most high-profile Democrats, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) and Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) also provided statements praising Jones’ longshot candidacy to the governor’s mansion.
“I am excited that Doug is entering the governor’s race. He will elevate the entire democratic ticket statewide,” Sewell told APR.
“He was a terrific senator and is a well-respected legislator, attorney, and solid fundraiser who has the smarts, connections, and dogged determination to take on Senator Tuberville,” she said. “Doug has beaten the Republican machine before, and he cannot be counted out. I am grateful for his willingness to serve the people of Alabama.”
“Having a quality candidate, like Doug, who generates excitement at the top of the ticket is very important for the entire party,” Anthony Daniels also told APR .
“That’s especially true when that candidate is also very pro-worker and pro-growth, like Doug. In this current climate, a lot of working folks are realizing that they’ve been getting a raw deal at the national level and they’re looking for other options.
“People want candidates who have their best interests at heart. Having a serious challenge at the top of the ticket will ensure candidates get the attention they deserve. And it hopefully gives us an opportunity to provide the government the people of this state deserve — one that addresses kitchen table issues that works for the average Alabamian and their family,” Daniels said.
Jones is reportedly in search of an event venue to hold a campaign kickoff rally on December 12, likely in Birmingham, near where Jones lives in Mountain Brook.
Tuberville’s top spokesperson, Mallory Jaspers, offered a dose of reality on Monday morning as news spread that Jones was making his bid official.
“Last time Doug Jones ran against Coach Tuberville, it didn’t go well for Doug,” Jaspers wrote. “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.”
“This race is already over — but if Comrade Doug wants to get blown out again, be our guest.”
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) easily dispatched Jones by a 60/40 margin in the November 2020 primary election when Jones was an incumbent Democrat on the ballot.
Currently, Tuberville has over $6 million in his campaign war chest and no real primary competition in sight.
Jones is entering a crowded field of Democrat contenders, including Chad “Chig” Martin, Dr. Will Boyd, and JaMel Jermaine Brown.
Party primary elections will be held on May 19, 2026, and general election, the likely venue of a Tuberville vs. Jones rematch, will be held on November 3, 2026.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
