Alabama — U.S. Senate · 2026

With a crowded field including sitting Governor Kay Ivey's Attorney General Steve Marshall, former Senator Tommy Tuberville (running for Governor, opening this seat), and other GOP figures, the race centers on who can secure Trump's endorsement and appeal to the conservative base in this deep-red state.

As a top national GOP priority, candidates are expected to emphasize support for stringent immigration enforcement and border wall funding, a consistent theme in Alabama Republican campaigns.

Alabama's significant agricultural and rural economy makes farm policy, trade tariffs affecting crops like cotton and soybeans, and rural broadband access important to voters outside major metro areas.

Republican primary candidates typically compete on fiscal conservatism credentials, criticizing federal spending levels and advocating for balanced budget measures.

Alabama's strict abortion laws and socially conservative electorate make candidates' records on abortion, religious liberty, and related issues a litmus test in the Republican primary.

Alabama's substantial military presence, including Redstone Arsenal and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, makes defense spending, military installations, and veterans' services locally significant issues.

With Doug Jones (former Senator) among the Democratic contenders, there is interest in whether Democrats can mount a competitive campaign in a state that has trended heavily Republican in federal races.

Alabama remains one of the states that has not expanded Medicaid, and rural hospital closures continue to make healthcare access a recurring issue in statewide races.