The Democratic candidate Doug Jones appears to be gaining traction in Alabama’s gubernatorial race, narrowing the Republican lead significantly. Recent polling conducted by Cygnal indicates that GOP candidate Tommy Tuberville has a 19-point advantage over Jones, a notable reduction from the 38-point lead enjoyed by incumbent Governor Kay Ivey during her 2022 election win.
Polling Insights on Alabama’s Gubernatorial Race
According to the latest figures, Tuberville is projected to secure 53% of the vote, while Jones is likely to receive about 34%. This polling data comes as Jones officially declared his intention to run, a move first reported by The Voice of Alabama Politics.
Comparison with Previous Elections
- In 2022, Kay Ivey won with a 67.4% vote share against Democratic opponent Yolanda Flowers, who garnered 29.4%.
- Tuberville’s projected 19-point lead mirrors the margin that Ivey had when she defeated Walt Maddox in 2018, where she received 59.6% of the votes.
Despite Tuberville’s commanding lead, experts suggest that the shrinking margin may indicate a shift in voter sentiment. Calvin Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, emphasized that while Tuberville is favored, the Democratic trend observed in other recent gubernatorial races could have implications.
Context of the Race
Alabama has historically leaned Republican in elections, with the state voting for GOP candidates in every presidential election since 1980. Additionally, no Democrat has won the governor’s office since 1999. This context makes Jones’ bid intriguing, but the Republican base remains solidly entrenched.
What’s Next for Candidates
The primary elections are set for May 2026, with the main gubernatorial election scheduled for November 2026. In the lead-up to these events, both candidates are likely to intensify their campaigns and voter outreach efforts.
Jones recently hinted at his campaign strategy during a town hall meeting, stating, “Stay tuned.” Meanwhile, Tuberville’s camp remains confident, asserting that the race is already decided in their favor.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, attention will be focused on both candidates’ actions and the potential shifts in voter sentiment across Alabama.
