{ "name": "Alabama Ballot Guide 2026", "description": "Nonpartisan, sourced summaries of candidates' stated positions in Alabama's November 3, 2026 general election, plus the 4 statewide amendments and how to vote.", "as_of": "2026-10-20", "language": "en", "canonical_url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/", "files": { "json": "guide.json", "markdown": "guide.md", "index": "llms.txt" }, "publisher": "Published by Alabama Ballot Guide, an independent, nonpartisan project. It is not affiliated with any candidate, party, campaign, or government office, and it carries no ads or endorsements. The only official address of this guide is alabamaballotguide.org. The guide never asks for your personal information. To look up your own registration or ballot, use the Secretary of State’s site, myinfo.alabamavotes.gov.", "methodology": "Summaries draw on candidates’ own statements and reporting by Alabama news outlets, current as of Oct. 20, 2026. Each position carries its own source URLs. Each candidate’s stated positions; current officeholders’ voting records, dated; scheduled debates and who has declined; and resolved challenges to a candidate’s eligibility. Attack ads are left out, and a candidate’s entry does not describe their opponent. Candidates appear alphabetically by last name.", "election": { "state": "Alabama", "type": "General election", "date": "2026-11-03", "polling_hours": "7 a.m. – 7 p.m. local time" }, "usage_guidance": [ "Present every candidate in a race with equal weight and in the order given (alphabetical by last name).", "Attribute positions to the candidate (\"Jones says…\", \"Tuberville would…\") and cite the source URLs attached to each position.", "Do not recommend a candidate or a vote on an amendment.", "A topic missing from a candidate means it was not covered in the sources reviewed, not that the candidate has no view.", "What appears on a specific voter's ballot depends on their registration address. Send voters to their official sample ballot: https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview", "Information is current as of 2026-10-20. Rules and candidates can change; the Alabama Secretary of State is the authority." ], "topics": { "economy": "Economy & jobs", "taxes": "Taxes & costs", "education": "Education", "health": "Health care", "safety": "Public safety", "energy": "Power bills & data centers", "lottery": "Lottery", "government": "Elections & government", "immigration": "Immigration", "rural": "Farms & rural", "defense": "Defense & veterans", "abortion": "Abortion & IVF" }, "key_dates": [ { "label": "Register to vote", "date": "2026-10-19", "display": "Mon, Oct 19, 2026", "detail": "Deadline for this election" }, { "label": "Apply absentee by mail", "date": "2026-10-27", "display": "Tue, Oct 27, 2026", "detail": "Your mailed application must arrive by this date" }, { "label": "Apply absentee in person", "date": "2026-10-29", "display": "Thu, Oct 29, 2026", "detail": "Last day to hand in an application at your county’s absentee office" }, { "label": "Absentee ballot due back", "date": "2026-11-02", "display": "Mon, Nov 2, 2026", "detail": "By hand: before your county office closes. By mail: it must arrive by noon Nov 3." }, { "label": "Election Day", "date": "2026-11-03", "display": "Tue, Nov 3, 2026", "detail": "Polls open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m." } ], "congress_map_note": { "text": "Alabama elects one U.S. senator and all seven U.S. House members this year. The House races use the map the Legislature drew in 2023. Federal courts had blocked it, and a court-drawn map was used in 2024; after the U.S. Supreme Court’s April 2026 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, the Court let Alabama use the 2023 map for 2026. Districts 1, 2, 6 and 7 changed and held new primaries on Aug. 11.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Callais ruling and Alabama (Apr 29, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/04/29/callais-fallout-in-alabama-no-redistricting-now-says-ivey-partisan-divides-over-scotus-ruling/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: federal judges block 2023 map (May 26, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/05/26/federal-judges-block-alabamas-use-of-2023-congressional-map/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: special primary guide (Aug 10, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/08/10/a-voter-guide-to-alabamas-special-primary-elections/" } ] }, "topic_index": { "economy": { "label": "Economy & jobs", "races": [ { "race_id": "governor", "office": "Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Doug Jones", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Wage, training and child-care plan" ] }, { "candidate": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Recruit manufacturing jobs" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "lt-governor", "office": "Lieutenant Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Phillip Ensler", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Lower costs, raise wages" ] }, { "candidate": "John Wahl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Economy first" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "secretary-of-state", "office": "Secretary of State", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Caroleene Dobson", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Easier business licensing" ] }, { "candidate": "Wayne Rogers", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Easier business registration" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "treasurer", "office": "State Treasurer", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Young Boozer", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "No ESG investing (2022)" ] }, { "candidate": "Rosilyn “Roz” Houston", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Modernize the office", "Responsible investing" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "senate", "office": "U.S. Senate", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Barry Moore", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Tariffs for jobs" ] }, { "candidate": "Everett Wess", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Good jobs, workers’ rights" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-1", "office": "U.S. House, District 1", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Jerry Carl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Protect the Port of Mobile" ] }, { "candidate": "Clyde Jones Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "A living wage" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-2", "office": "U.S. House, District 2", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Shomari Figures", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Protect cattle farmers" ] }, { "candidate": "Rhett Marques", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Less red tape for small business" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-3", "office": "U.S. House, District 3", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Lee McInnis", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Living-wage jobs" ] }, { "candidate": "Mike Rogers", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Local economic projects" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-4", "office": "U.S. House, District 4", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Robert Aderholt", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Economic development" ] }, { "candidate": "Amanda Pusczek", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "$15 wage and unions" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-5", "office": "U.S. House, District 5", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Andrew Sneed", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Lower everyday costs" ] }, { "candidate": "Dale Strong", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Space and defense in Huntsville" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-6", "office": "U.S. House, District 6", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Maurice Mercer", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Raise the minimum wage", "Schools, jobs and small business" ] }, { "candidate": "Gary Palmer", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Fewer rules, critical minerals" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-7", "office": "U.S. House, District 7", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Ammie Akin", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Quality of life" ] }, { "candidate": "Terri Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Black Belt infrastructure" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] } ] }, "taxes": { "label": "Taxes & costs", "races": [ { "race_id": "governor", "office": "Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Doug Jones", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "End grocery, tip and overtime taxes" ] }, { "candidate": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "End the grocery tax", "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "lt-governor", "office": "Lieutenant Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Phillip Ensler", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Lower costs, raise wages" ] }, { "candidate": "John Wahl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "End the grocery tax" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "treasurer", "office": "State Treasurer", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Young Boozer", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "A leaner office" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Rosilyn “Roz” Houston" ] }, { "race_id": "auditor", "office": "State Auditor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Violet Edwards", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Fiscal oversight" ] }, { "candidate": "Andrew Sorrell", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Protect taxpayer dollars" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "agriculture", "office": "Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Corey Hill", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "End farm-equipment tax" ] }, { "candidate": "Ron Sparks", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "End farm-equipment tax" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "senate", "office": "U.S. Senate", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Barry Moore", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Tax cuts, less waste", "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] }, { "candidate": "Everett Wess", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Cost of living" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-1", "office": "U.S. House, District 1", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Jerry Carl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Cut wasteful spending" ] }, { "candidate": "Clyde Jones Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Lower insurance costs" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-2", "office": "U.S. House, District 2", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Shomari Figures", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Voted against 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] }, { "candidate": "Rhett Marques", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Cut taxes and spending" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-3", "office": "U.S. House, District 3", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Lee McInnis", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Says tariffs hurt farmers" ] }, { "candidate": "Mike Rogers", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-4", "office": "U.S. House, District 4", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Robert Aderholt", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Amanda Pusczek" ] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-5", "office": "U.S. House, District 5", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Andrew Sneed", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Lower everyday costs" ] }, { "candidate": "Dale Strong", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-6", "office": "U.S. House, District 6", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Gary Palmer", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Maurice Mercer" ] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-7", "office": "U.S. House, District 7", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Ammie Akin", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Responsible spending" ] }, { "candidate": "Terri Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Lower costs, stop tariffs", "Voted against 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] } ] }, "education": { "label": "Education", "races": [ { "race_id": "governor", "office": "Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Doug Jones", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Phase out the CHOOSE Act" ] }, { "candidate": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Protect and expand school choice" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "lt-governor", "office": "Lieutenant Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Phillip Ensler", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Teacher pay and pre-K" ] }, { "candidate": "John Wahl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Parents in control, school choice" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "treasurer", "office": "State Treasurer", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Young Boozer", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Grow college savings" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Rosilyn “Roz” Houston" ] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-2", "office": "U.S. House, District 2", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Shomari Figures", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Schools, child care, broadband" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Rhett Marques" ] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-6", "office": "U.S. House, District 6", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Maurice Mercer", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Schools, jobs and small business" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Gary Palmer" ] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-7", "office": "U.S. House, District 7", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Ammie Akin", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Expand educational opportunity" ] }, { "candidate": "Terri Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Keep the Education Department" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] } ] }, "health": { "label": "Health care", "races": [ { "race_id": "governor", "office": "Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Doug Jones", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Expand Medicaid" ] }, { "candidate": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "No Medicaid expansion", "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "lt-governor", "office": "Lieutenant Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Phillip Ensler", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Expand Medicaid" ] }, { "candidate": "John Wahl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Keep government out of medical decisions" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "senate", "office": "U.S. Senate", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Barry Moore", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] }, { "candidate": "Everett Wess", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Rural health care", "Social Security, Medicare, veterans" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-1", "office": "U.S. House, District 1", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Clyde Jones Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Expand health coverage" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Jerry Carl" ] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-2", "office": "U.S. House, District 2", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Shomari Figures", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Keep rural hospitals open", "Voted against 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] }, { "candidate": "Rhett Marques", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Rural hospital fund" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-3", "office": "U.S. House, District 3", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Lee McInnis", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Rural health care access" ] }, { "candidate": "Mike Rogers", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-4", "office": "U.S. House, District 4", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Robert Aderholt", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Rural hospital funding", "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] }, { "candidate": "Amanda Pusczek", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Expand Medicaid" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-5", "office": "U.S. House, District 5", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Andrew Sneed", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Expand Medicaid eligibility" ] }, { "candidate": "Dale Strong", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-6", "office": "U.S. House, District 6", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Maurice Mercer", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Social Security and Medicare" ] }, { "candidate": "Gary Palmer", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Repeal the Affordable Care Act", "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-7", "office": "U.S. House, District 7", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Ammie Akin", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Rural health care" ] }, { "candidate": "Terri Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Coverage and rural hospitals", "Voted against 2025 tax-and-spending law" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] } ] }, "safety": { "label": "Public safety", "races": [ { "race_id": "governor", "office": "Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Doug Jones", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Prison accountability" ] }, { "candidate": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Police and National Guard in cities" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "lt-governor", "office": "Lieutenant Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Phillip Ensler", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Carry permits and police pay" ] }, { "candidate": "John Wahl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Law and order, no gun control" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "attorney-general", "office": "Attorney General", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Jeff McLaughlin", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Fentanyl and scams" ] }, { "candidate": "Katherine Robertson", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Tougher criminal penalties" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "agriculture", "office": "Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Corey Hill", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Restore a rural crime unit" ] }, { "candidate": "Ron Sparks", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Restore enforcement and inspections" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] } ] }, "energy": { "label": "Power bills & data centers", "races": [ { "race_id": "governor", "office": "Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Doug Jones", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Pause new data centers" ] }, { "candidate": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Data centers on conditions" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "lt-governor", "office": "Lieutenant Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Phillip Ensler", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Lower costs, raise wages", "Data center moratorium" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "John Wahl" ] }, { "race_id": "attorney-general", "office": "Attorney General", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Jeff McLaughlin", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Advocate for ratepayers" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Katherine Robertson" ] }, { "race_id": "psc-1", "office": "Public Service Commission, Place 1", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Matt Gentry", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Public rate hearings", "Compare rates with other states" ] }, { "candidate": "James Gordon", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Cut power bills 25%", "Open rate hearings", "Extend the rate freeze" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "psc-2", "office": "Public Service Commission, Place 2", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Sheila McNeil", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Data centers pay their way", "Reform how rates are set" ] }, { "candidate": "Jim Zeigler", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Data centers cover their power costs", "Scrutinize rate requests" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-5", "office": "U.S. House, District 5", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Andrew Sneed", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Lower everyday costs" ] }, { "candidate": "Dale Strong", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "New nuclear at Bellefonte" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] } ] }, "lottery": { "label": "Lottery", "races": [ { "race_id": "governor", "office": "Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Doug Jones", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Let voters decide on a lottery" ] }, { "candidate": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Let voters decide on a lottery" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "lt-governor", "office": "Lieutenant Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Phillip Ensler", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Hold a lottery vote" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "John Wahl" ] } ] }, "government": { "label": "Elections & government", "races": [ { "race_id": "governor", "office": "Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Doug Jones", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Ethics and citizen initiatives" ] }, { "candidate": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Review agencies, audit spending" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "lt-governor", "office": "Lieutenant Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Phillip Ensler", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Join the governor’s ticket" ] }, { "candidate": "John Wahl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Post-election audits" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "attorney-general", "office": "Attorney General", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Jeff McLaughlin", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Root out corruption" ] }, { "candidate": "Katherine Robertson", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Continue the current course", "Back the Trump agenda" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "secretary-of-state", "office": "Secretary of State", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Caroleene Dobson", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Voter-roll and fraud unit", "Post-election audits" ] }, { "candidate": "Wayne Rogers", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Early and absentee voting", "End straight-ticket voting", "Cap campaign donations" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "treasurer", "office": "State Treasurer", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Young Boozer", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Return unclaimed money" ] }, { "candidate": "Rosilyn “Roz” Houston", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Open the books", "Help people find their money" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "auditor", "office": "State Auditor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Violet Edwards", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Transparency", "Registrar appointments" ] }, { "candidate": "Andrew Sorrell", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Investigate lost property", "Election audits (2025)" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "senate", "office": "U.S. Senate", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Barry Moore", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Write Trump’s orders into law" ] }, { "candidate": "Everett Wess", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Protect voting rights" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-1", "office": "U.S. House, District 1", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Jerry Carl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Advance the Trump agenda" ] }, { "candidate": "Clyde Jones Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Ethics rules for Congress" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-5", "office": "U.S. House, District 5", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Andrew Sneed", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Reform Congress" ] }, { "candidate": "Dale Strong", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Proof of citizenship to vote" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-6", "office": "U.S. House, District 6", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Maurice Mercer", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "12 town halls" ] }, { "candidate": "Gary Palmer", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Voted for SAVE America Act" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-7", "office": "U.S. House, District 7", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Ammie Akin", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Cut wasteful spending" ] }, { "candidate": "Terri Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Voting rights" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] } ] }, "immigration": { "label": "Immigration", "races": [ { "race_id": "lt-governor", "office": "Lieutenant Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Phillip Ensler", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Opposed local immigration enforcement" ] }, { "candidate": "John Wahl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Border enforcement" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "attorney-general", "office": "Attorney General", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Katherine Robertson", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Tougher criminal penalties" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Jeff McLaughlin" ] }, { "race_id": "senate", "office": "U.S. Senate", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Barry Moore", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Deportations and official English", "Write Trump’s orders into law" ] }, { "candidate": "Everett Wess", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Courts over enforcement" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-1", "office": "U.S. House, District 1", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Jerry Carl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Secure the border" ] }, { "candidate": "Clyde Jones Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Path to legal status" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-2", "office": "U.S. House, District 2", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Shomari Figures", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Voted for the Laken Riley Act" ] }, { "candidate": "Rhett Marques", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Back Trump on immigration" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-3", "office": "U.S. House, District 3", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Lee McInnis", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Opposes current enforcement tactics" ] }, { "candidate": "Mike Rogers", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Border security as national security" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-4", "office": "U.S. House, District 4", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Robert Aderholt", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Defends ICE enforcement" ] }, { "candidate": "Amanda Pusczek", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Questions new ICE spending" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-5", "office": "U.S. House, District 5", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Andrew Sneed", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Reform with accountability" ] }, { "candidate": "Dale Strong", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Support Trump’s agenda" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-6", "office": "U.S. House, District 6", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Gary Palmer", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Opposes “amnesty”" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Maurice Mercer" ] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-7", "office": "U.S. House, District 7", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Ammie Akin", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Secure borders, legal immigration" ] }, { "candidate": "Terri Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Laken Riley Act; ICE reform" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] } ] }, "rural": { "label": "Farms & rural", "races": [ { "race_id": "agriculture", "office": "Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Corey Hill", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Buy Alabama-grown", "Keep regulation light", "End farm-equipment tax", "Restore a rural crime unit" ] }, { "candidate": "Ron Sparks", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Farmer cost-share program", "End farm-equipment tax", "Restore enforcement and inspections", "Build on his record" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "senate", "office": "U.S. Senate", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Barry Moore", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Voted for the 2026 farm bill" ] }, { "candidate": "Everett Wess", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "A voice for agriculture" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-2", "office": "U.S. House, District 2", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Shomari Figures", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Relief for farmers", "Protect cattle farmers" ] }, { "candidate": "Rhett Marques", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Back the farm bill" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-3", "office": "U.S. House, District 3", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Lee McInnis", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Water and broadband", "Says tariffs hurt farmers" ] }, { "candidate": "Mike Rogers", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Farm bill and rural water" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-7", "office": "U.S. House, District 7", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Ammie Akin", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Rural health care" ] }, { "candidate": "Terri Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Coverage and rural hospitals" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] } ] }, "defense": { "label": "Defense & veterans", "races": [ { "race_id": "senate", "office": "U.S. Senate", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Barry Moore", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Army aviation base funding" ] }, { "candidate": "Everett Wess", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Social Security, Medicare, veterans" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-1", "office": "U.S. House, District 1", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Clyde Jones Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Veterans’ voice on defense" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Jerry Carl" ] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-2", "office": "U.S. House, District 2", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Shomari Figures", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Voted against 2027 defense bill", "Pressed VA on layoffs" ] }, { "candidate": "Rhett Marques", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Military and veterans" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-3", "office": "U.S. House, District 3", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Lee McInnis", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Stronger VA health care" ] }, { "candidate": "Mike Rogers", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "National security first" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-4", "office": "U.S. House, District 4", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Robert Aderholt", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Voted for 2027 defense bill" ] }, { "candidate": "Amanda Pusczek", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Fully fund the VA" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-5", "office": "U.S. House, District 5", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Andrew Sneed", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Opposes Redstone, Marshall job cuts" ] }, { "candidate": "Dale Strong", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Space and defense in Huntsville" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-6", "office": "U.S. House, District 6", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Maurice Mercer", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Veterans and first responders" ] }, { "candidate": "Gary Palmer", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Opposed Iran war-powers limit" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-7", "office": "U.S. House, District 7", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Ammie Akin", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Resources for military, police" ] }, { "candidate": "Terri Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Veterans’ care" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] } ] }, "abortion": { "label": "Abortion & IVF", "races": [ { "race_id": "governor", "office": "Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Doug Jones", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "IVF and contraception amendment" ] }, { "candidate": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "IVF views (2024)" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "lt-governor", "office": "Lieutenant Governor", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Phillip Ensler", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "IVF amendment" ] }, { "candidate": "John Wahl", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Opposes abortion; supports adoption aid" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-3", "office": "U.S. House, District 3", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Mike Rogers", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Opposes abortion" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [ "Lee McInnis" ] }, { "race_id": "us-house-al-4", "office": "U.S. House, District 4", "positions": [ { "candidate": "Robert Aderholt", "party": "Republican", "headlines": [ "Supports abortion restrictions" ] }, { "candidate": "Amanda Pusczek", "party": "Democrat", "headlines": [ "Supports abortion rights" ] } ], "not_covered_in_sources": [] } ] } }, "races": [ { "id": "governor", "office": "Governor", "level": "state", "what_it_does": "Leads the executive branch, proposes the state budget, signs or vetoes bills, and appoints agency heads.", "status": "Open seat · Gov. Kay Ivey is term-limited", "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#governor", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Medicaid", "text": "Jones would expand it; Tuberville says the state can’t afford to." }, { "label": "School choice", "text": "Jones would close the CHOOSE Act to new students; Tuberville would protect and expand it." }, { "label": "Data centers", "text": "Jones would pause new ones for a year; Tuberville opposes a pause and welcomes those that pay full price, including the cost of their power and water lines." }, { "label": "Where they agree", "text": "Both would end the state grocery tax, oppose tax breaks for data centers, and let voters decide on a lottery." } ], "debates": "None scheduled. Tuberville said in August he would “probably not” debate; Jones has accepted several invitations.", "notes": "A lawsuit challenging Tuberville’s Alabama residency was dismissed, and on Oct. 9 the Alabama Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal for lack of jurisdiction, without ruling on the residency question. The state Republican Party had earlier found him qualified.", "note_sources": [ { "title": "WSFA: Tuberville on a debate (Aug 26, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wsfa.com/2026/08/26/senator-tommy-tuberville-rules-out-debate-with-doug-jones-alabama-governors-race/" }, { "title": "WHNT: Jones on a debate with Tuberville", "url": "https://whnt.com/news/doug-jones-reiterates-his-stance-on-a-debate-with-tuberville/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Supreme Court affirms dismissal (Oct 9, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/09/alabama-supreme-court-affirms-dismissal-of-tommy-tuberville-residency-challenge/" }, { "title": "WSFA: Supreme Court upholds dismissal (Oct 9, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wsfa.com/2026/10/09/alabama-supreme-court-upholds-dismissal-sen-tuberville-residency-challenge/" } ], "candidates": [ { "name": "Doug Jones", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Attorney; U.S. senator 2018–2021; former U.S. attorney for north Alabama", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Expand Medicaid", "summary": "Pledges to expand Medicaid, saying it would bring federal money to Alabama and help keep rural hospitals open.", "sources": [ { "title": "Jones campaign: Vision for Alabama", "url": "https://www.dougjones.com/news/doug-jones-unveils-a-vision-for-alabama-calls-for-a-different-kind-of-state-government" }, { "title": "ABC 33/40: Jones policy agenda", "url": "https://abc3340.com/news/alabama-news/doug-jones-alabama-governor-vision-for-alabama-policy-agenda-medicaid-ai-data-centers-tommy-tuberville-beyond-the-podium" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "End grocery, tip and overtime taxes", "summary": "Would end the remaining state sales tax on groceries and state income tax on tips and overtime.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones policy speech (Jul 27, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/07/27/doug-jones-calls-for-affordability-measures-government-reforms-in-policy-speech/" }, { "title": "Lagniappe: both candidates on the grocery tax", "url": "https://www.lagniappemobile.com/news/alabama/election_2026/tuberville-jones-both-say-cut-grocery-tax/article_6f3c8402-50eb-4f5f-bc2d-019e4d0900f9.html" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Wage, training and child-care plan", "summary": "Proposes a state earned income tax credit, more child care, free community college for adults without credentials, stronger apprenticeships, and licensing reform.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones policy speech (Jul 27, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/07/27/doug-jones-calls-for-affordability-measures-government-reforms-in-policy-speech/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: data center pause (Jul 27, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/07/27/jones-lays-out-governing-agenda-calls-for-one-year-data-center-pause/" }, { "title": "Jones campaign: Create jobs worth staying for", "url": "https://www.dougjones.com/issues/issue-2" } ] }, { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Pause new data centers", "summary": "Would pause new data centers for one year to set rules, says state law should change so they get no tax breaks, and wants them to help pay for local services like schools and law enforcement.", "sources": [ { "title": "ABC 33/40: Jones policy agenda", "url": "https://abc3340.com/news/alabama-news/doug-jones-alabama-governor-vision-for-alabama-policy-agenda-medicaid-ai-data-centers-tommy-tuberville-beyond-the-podium" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: data center pause (Jul 27, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/07/27/jones-lays-out-governing-agenda-calls-for-one-year-data-center-pause/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones data center town hall (Oct 13, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/13/doug-jones-outlines-data-center-policies-at-lowndes-county-town-hall/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "education" ], "headline": "Phase out the CHOOSE Act", "summary": "Would close the school-choice program to new students, let current students stay through graduation, and raise teacher pay.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Jones education town hall (Oct 2026)", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/doug-jones-calls-for-phasing-out-choose-act-increasing-teacher-pay-at-education-town-hall/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "lottery" ], "headline": "Let voters decide on a lottery", "summary": "Wants a statewide vote on a standalone lottery.", "sources": [ { "title": "Jones campaign: Vision for Alabama", "url": "https://www.dougjones.com/news/doug-jones-unveils-a-vision-for-alabama-calls-for-a-different-kind-of-state-government" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones policy speech (Jul 27, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/07/27/doug-jones-calls-for-affordability-measures-government-reforms-in-policy-speech/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Ethics and citizen initiatives", "summary": "Proposes stronger ethics laws, a stock-trading ban for statewide officials, and letting citizens put measures on the ballot.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones policy speech (Jul 27, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/07/27/doug-jones-calls-for-affordability-measures-government-reforms-in-policy-speech/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones on ethics reform (Sep 2, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/02/doug-jones-calls-for-ethics-reform-attacks-tuberville-over-ai-data-center-investments/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "safety" ], "headline": "Prison accountability", "summary": "Calls for prison accountability, including independent oversight of state prison spending such as the new Elmore County prison, and notes that the governor appoints the prison commissioner and picks the parole board.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Jones on prisons (Aug 11, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/08/11/doug-jones-calls-for-prison-accountability-explains-governors-role/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "abortion" ], "headline": "IVF and contraception amendment", "summary": "Proposes a state constitutional amendment protecting access to IVF and contraception.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones policy speech (Jul 27, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/07/27/doug-jones-calls-for-affordability-measures-government-reforms-in-policy-speech/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones campaign kickoff (Dec 12, 2025)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2025/12/12/doug-jones-kicks-off-alabama-gubernatorial-campaign-with-vision-of-crowded-table/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Jones campaign: Vision for Alabama", "url": "https://www.dougjones.com/news/doug-jones-unveils-a-vision-for-alabama-calls-for-a-different-kind-of-state-government" }, { "title": "ABC 33/40: Jones policy agenda", "url": "https://abc3340.com/news/alabama-news/doug-jones-alabama-governor-vision-for-alabama-policy-agenda-medicaid-ai-data-centers-tommy-tuberville-beyond-the-podium" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones policy speech (Jul 27, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/07/27/doug-jones-calls-for-affordability-measures-government-reforms-in-policy-speech/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: data center pause (Jul 27, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/07/27/jones-lays-out-governing-agenda-calls-for-one-year-data-center-pause/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Jones education town hall (Oct 2026)", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/doug-jones-calls-for-phasing-out-choose-act-increasing-teacher-pay-at-education-town-hall/" }, { "title": "Lagniappe: both candidates on the grocery tax", "url": "https://www.lagniappemobile.com/news/alabama/election_2026/tuberville-jones-both-say-cut-grocery-tax/article_6f3c8402-50eb-4f5f-bc2d-019e4d0900f9.html" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones on ethics reform (Sep 2, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/02/doug-jones-calls-for-ethics-reform-attacks-tuberville-over-ai-data-center-investments/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Jones on prisons (Aug 11, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/08/11/doug-jones-calls-for-prison-accountability-explains-governors-role/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones campaign kickoff (Dec 12, 2025)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2025/12/12/doug-jones-kicks-off-alabama-gubernatorial-campaign-with-vision-of-crowded-table/" }, { "title": "Jones campaign: Create jobs worth staying for", "url": "https://www.dougjones.com/issues/issue-2" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Jones data center town hall (Oct 13, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/13/doug-jones-outlines-data-center-policies-at-lowndes-county-town-hall/" } ] }, { "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "background": "U.S. senator since 2021; former Auburn head football coach", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "End the grocery tax", "summary": "Would eliminate the remaining 2% state sales tax on groceries and says he will not raise taxes.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Gazette: grocery tax pledge (Sep 10, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2026/09/10/news/tuberville-promises-to-end-alabamas-grocery-tax-if-elected-governor/12485.html" }, { "title": "WBHM: law and order priority (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wbhm.org/local-news/2026-10-16/tuberville-says-law-and-order-will-be-a-top-priority-if-elected-governor" }, { "title": "Lagniappe: both candidates on the grocery tax", "url": "https://www.lagniappemobile.com/news/alabama/election_2026/tuberville-jones-both-say-cut-grocery-tax/article_6f3c8402-50eb-4f5f-bc2d-019e4d0900f9.html" } ] }, { "topics": [ "safety" ], "headline": "Police and National Guard in cities", "summary": "Says adding law enforcement to “clean up our cities” would be a top priority, and has proposed using the National Guard in cities.", "sources": [ { "title": "WBHM: law and order priority (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wbhm.org/local-news/2026-10-16/tuberville-says-law-and-order-will-be-a-top-priority-if-elected-governor" }, { "title": "NBC 15: National Guard proposal", "url": "https://mynbc15.com/news/local/tuberville-defends-national-guard-proposal-amid-questions-about-mobile-crime" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Recruit manufacturing jobs", "summary": "Says he would be Alabama’s “recruiter-in-chief” and promises to bring high-paying manufacturing jobs back to empty plants.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Gazette: BCA conference remarks (Aug 2026)", "url": "https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2026/08/23/news/tax-relief-technology-and-recruitment-define-tubervilles-vision-at-bca-conference/12092.html" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Review agencies, audit spending", "summary": "Formed a team to review every state agency for waste and duplication, and pledges to “audit every state dollar.”", "sources": [ { "title": "Tuberville campaign: Golden Age Action Team", "url": "https://www.coachforgovernor.com/post/coach-tuberville-assembles-golden-age-action-team" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Tuberville’s transition advisers (Jul 2026)", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/tuberville-names-advisers-to-golden-age-transition-team/" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Tuberville’s first TV ad", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/less-taxes-more-results-tommy-tuberville-releases-first-tv-ad-in-campaign-for-governor-of-alabama/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Data centers on conditions", "summary": "Welcomes data centers that pay “full price”: no tax abatements or incentives, plus the full cost of the power and water lines they need. Opposes a moratorium and says communities can say no.", "sources": [ { "title": "Tuberville op-ed: game plan for data centers (Sep 1, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/09/01/opinion-my-game-plan-for-data-centers/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "education" ], "headline": "Protect and expand school choice", "summary": "Would protect and expand the CHOOSE Act, and says he would emphasize workforce development in education.", "sources": [ { "title": "WBHM: law and order priority (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wbhm.org/local-news/2026-10-16/tuberville-says-law-and-order-will-be-a-top-priority-if-elected-governor" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: candidates on the CHOOSE Act (Sep 22, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/22/as-public-splits-over-choose-act-so-do-alabama-political-candidates/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "lottery" ], "headline": "Let voters decide on a lottery", "summary": "Says he would sign a lottery into law if the Legislature puts it on the ballot and voters approve it.", "sources": [ { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Tuberville on a lottery", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/let-the-people-vote-on-it-tuberville-says-hes-ready-to-sign-off-on-a-lottery-if-alabama-voters-pass-it-everybody-wants-it/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "No Medicaid expansion", "summary": "Says the state can’t afford to expand Medicaid and points to $203 million in new federal rural health money.", "sources": [ { "title": "WBHM: law and order priority (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wbhm.org/local-news/2026-10-16/tuberville-says-law-and-order-will-be-a-top-priority-if-elected-governor" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Tuberville on rural hospitals", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/tuberville-says-rural-manufacturing-is-the-key-to-keeping-rural-alabama-hospitals-open/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "abortion" ], "headline": "IVF views (2024)", "summary": "In 2024 he said he was “all for” the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that embryos created through IVF are children under state law. Later that year he said no one in Alabama wants to ban IVF and that he was proud the Legislature acted to protect it. No newer statement was found.", "sources": [ { "title": "NBC News: Tuberville on the IVF ruling (2024)", "url": "https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-tommy-tuberville-struggles-answer-questions-alabamas-ivf-ruling-rcna140073" }, { "title": "Tuberville Senate office: statement on IVF (2024)", "url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-slams-biden-administration-for-lying-about-ivf-protections-in-alabama" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "health" ], "headline": "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law", "summary": "As a U.S. senator, voted for the 2025 federal tax-and-spending law (H.R. 1), which extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending.", "sources": [ { "title": "U.S. Senate: roll call vote on passage of H.R. 1 (2025)", "url": "https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00372.htm" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Gazette: grocery tax pledge (Sep 10, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2026/09/10/news/tuberville-promises-to-end-alabamas-grocery-tax-if-elected-governor/12485.html" }, { "title": "WBHM: law and order priority (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wbhm.org/local-news/2026-10-16/tuberville-says-law-and-order-will-be-a-top-priority-if-elected-governor" }, { "title": "NBC 15: National Guard proposal", "url": "https://mynbc15.com/news/local/tuberville-defends-national-guard-proposal-amid-questions-about-mobile-crime" }, { "title": "Alabama Gazette: BCA conference remarks (Aug 2026)", "url": "https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2026/08/23/news/tax-relief-technology-and-recruitment-define-tubervilles-vision-at-bca-conference/12092.html" }, { "title": "Tuberville op-ed: game plan for data centers (Sep 1, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/09/01/opinion-my-game-plan-for-data-centers/" }, { "title": "Lagniappe: both candidates on the grocery tax", "url": "https://www.lagniappemobile.com/news/alabama/election_2026/tuberville-jones-both-say-cut-grocery-tax/article_6f3c8402-50eb-4f5f-bc2d-019e4d0900f9.html" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: candidates on the CHOOSE Act (Sep 22, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/22/as-public-splits-over-choose-act-so-do-alabama-political-candidates/" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Tuberville on a lottery", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/let-the-people-vote-on-it-tuberville-says-hes-ready-to-sign-off-on-a-lottery-if-alabama-voters-pass-it-everybody-wants-it/" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Tuberville on rural hospitals", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/tuberville-says-rural-manufacturing-is-the-key-to-keeping-rural-alabama-hospitals-open/" }, { "title": "NBC News: Tuberville on the IVF ruling (2024)", "url": "https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-tommy-tuberville-struggles-answer-questions-alabamas-ivf-ruling-rcna140073" }, { "title": "Tuberville campaign: Golden Age Action Team", "url": "https://www.coachforgovernor.com/post/coach-tuberville-assembles-golden-age-action-team" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Tuberville’s transition advisers (Jul 2026)", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/tuberville-names-advisers-to-golden-age-transition-team/" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Tuberville’s first TV ad", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/less-taxes-more-results-tommy-tuberville-releases-first-tv-ad-in-campaign-for-governor-of-alabama/" }, { "title": "Tuberville Senate office: statement on IVF (2024)", "url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-slams-biden-administration-for-lying-about-ivf-protections-in-alabama" }, { "title": "U.S. Senate: roll call vote on passage of H.R. 1 (2025)", "url": "https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00372.htm" } ] } ], "campaigned_but_not_on_ballot": [], "laws_mentioned": [ "CHOOSE Act", "H.R. 1 (2025 tax-and-spending law)", "Medicaid expansion" ] }, { "id": "lt-governor", "office": "Lieutenant Governor", "level": "state", "what_it_does": "Presides over the state Senate, votes only to break ties, and becomes governor if that office is vacated. Elected separately from the governor.", "status": "Open seat · Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is term-limited", "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#lt-governor", "key_differences": [ { "label": "School choice", "text": "Ensler opposes the CHOOSE Act; Wahl defends it." }, { "label": "Guns", "text": "Ensler would restore the permit requirement to carry a gun in public; Wahl opposes gun control." }, { "label": "Where they agree", "text": "Both want to end the state grocery tax." } ], "debates": "WHNT News 19 hosts a debate Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m., streamed at WHNT.com and on the WHNT19+ app.", "notes": "A lawsuit challenging Wahl’s Alabama residency was dismissed Oct. 13 at the plaintiffs’ request, with no ruling on the residency question. The state Republican Party had earlier rejected a separate challenge.", "note_sources": [ { "title": "WRBL / Nexstar: debate announcement", "url": "https://www.wrbl.com/news/news-19-lt-gov-debate-what-should-we-ask-the-candidates/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Wahl residency suit dismissed (Oct 13, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/10/13/court-dismisses-wahl-residency-lawsuit-after-plaintiffs-seek-dismissal/" }, { "title": "Alabama Gazette: GOP committee rejects challenge (Jun 30, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2026/06/30/news/alabama-republican-steering-committee-rejects-challenge-against-john-wahl/11610.html" } ], "candidates": [ { "name": "Phillip Ensler", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "State representative for Montgomery since 2022; lawyer and former teacher", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Expand Medicaid", "summary": "Supports expanding Medicaid.", "sources": [ { "title": "WAKA: Ensler policy proposals (Aug 20, 2026)", "url": "https://www.waka.com/2026/08/20/campaign-2026-ensler-releases-policy-proposals-if-hes-elected-lieutenant-governor/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "energy", "economy" ], "headline": "Lower costs, raise wages", "summary": "Would end the grocery tax and the tax on overtime, raise the minimum wage, and push for open utility rate-setting.", "sources": [ { "title": "Ensler campaign: affordability", "url": "https://phillipensler.com/priorities/affordability" }, { "title": "WAKA: Ensler policy proposals (Aug 20, 2026)", "url": "https://www.waka.com/2026/08/20/campaign-2026-ensler-releases-policy-proposals-if-hes-elected-lieutenant-governor/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Data center moratorium", "summary": "Calls for a moratorium on new data centers and a ban on nondisclosure agreements between local governments and data center companies.", "sources": [ { "title": "Ensler campaign: quality of life", "url": "https://phillipensler.com/priorities/quality-of-life" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: lieutenant governor race (Aug 21, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/08/21/in-alabama-lt-governors-race-big-plans-and-little-ability-to-carry-them-out/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "lottery" ], "headline": "Hold a lottery vote", "summary": "Wants a voter-approved lottery.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: lieutenant governor race (Aug 21, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/08/21/in-alabama-lt-governors-race-big-plans-and-little-ability-to-carry-them-out/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "education" ], "headline": "Teacher pay and pre-K", "summary": "Would raise pay for education workers and expand First Class Pre-K; opposes the CHOOSE Act.", "sources": [ { "title": "Ensler campaign: education", "url": "https://phillipensler.com/priorities/education" } ] }, { "topics": [ "safety" ], "headline": "Carry permits and police pay", "summary": "Would restore the permit requirement to carry a gun in public, and offer officers signing bonuses, loan forgiveness and housing help.", "sources": [ { "title": "WAKA: Ensler policy proposals (Aug 20, 2026)", "url": "https://www.waka.com/2026/08/20/campaign-2026-ensler-releases-policy-proposals-if-hes-elected-lieutenant-governor/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Join the governor’s ticket", "summary": "With Doug Jones, proposes amending the constitution so the lieutenant governor is part of the executive branch, elected on a ticket with the governor. Also supports term limits.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: lieutenant governor role proposal (Sep 17, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/17/doug-jones-proposes-expanding-lieutenant-governors-powers/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: lieutenant governor race (Aug 21, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/08/21/in-alabama-lt-governors-race-big-plans-and-little-ability-to-carry-them-out/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Opposed local immigration enforcement", "summary": "As a state representative in 2025, argued against a bill letting local police enforce immigration law, saying it would erode immigrants’ trust in police.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: House immigration bill debate (Apr 17, 2025)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2025/04/17/alabama-house-passes-bill-allowing-local-law-enforcement-to-enforce-immigration-laws/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "abortion" ], "headline": "IVF amendment", "summary": "Calls for a constitutional amendment protecting IVF. In 2024 he called the Legislature’s IVF immunity law a “Band-Aid fix.”", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: IVF bill final passage (Mar 6, 2024)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2024/03/06/alabama-legislature-gives-final-approval-to-in-vitro-fertilization-bill/" }, { "title": "Ensler campaign site", "url": "https://phillipensler.com/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Ensler campaign: affordability", "url": "https://phillipensler.com/priorities/affordability" }, { "title": "Ensler campaign: education", "url": "https://phillipensler.com/priorities/education" }, { "title": "Ensler campaign: quality of life", "url": "https://phillipensler.com/priorities/quality-of-life" }, { "title": "WAKA: Ensler policy proposals (Aug 20, 2026)", "url": "https://www.waka.com/2026/08/20/campaign-2026-ensler-releases-policy-proposals-if-hes-elected-lieutenant-governor/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: lieutenant governor role proposal (Sep 17, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/17/doug-jones-proposes-expanding-lieutenant-governors-powers/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: lieutenant governor race (Aug 21, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/08/21/in-alabama-lt-governors-race-big-plans-and-little-ability-to-carry-them-out/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: House immigration bill debate (Apr 17, 2025)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2025/04/17/alabama-house-passes-bill-allowing-local-law-enforcement-to-enforce-immigration-laws/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: IVF bill final passage (Mar 6, 2024)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2024/03/06/alabama-legislature-gives-final-approval-to-in-vitro-fertilization-bill/" }, { "title": "Ensler campaign site", "url": "https://phillipensler.com/" } ] }, { "name": "John Wahl", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "background": "Farmer from Limestone County; Alabama Republican Party chairman 2021–2026", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "End the grocery tax", "summary": "Calls eliminating the state grocery tax one of his top priorities from “day one.”", "sources": [ { "title": "Wahl campaign: issues", "url": "https://votejohnwahl.com/issues/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: GOP runoff", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/john-wahl-wes-allen-lieutenant-governor-runoff-alabama-republican/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Economy first", "summary": "Names the economy as his top priority: less red tape, business recruitment, help for small businesses, and job training.", "sources": [ { "title": "Wahl campaign: issues", "url": "https://votejohnwahl.com/issues/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: GOP runoff", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/john-wahl-wes-allen-lieutenant-governor-runoff-alabama-republican/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Post-election audits", "summary": "Supports audits after elections and accountability for voting machines.", "sources": [ { "title": "Wahl campaign: issues", "url": "https://votejohnwahl.com/issues/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "education" ], "headline": "Parents in control, school choice", "summary": "Wants schools focused on “academic excellence, not political indoctrination,” with parents in charge, and defends the CHOOSE Act.", "sources": [ { "title": "Wahl campaign: issues", "url": "https://votejohnwahl.com/issues/" }, { "title": "1819 News: Wahl on school choice", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/doug-jones-should-be-ashamed-of-himself-john-wahl-on-jones-attack-on-school-choice" } ] }, { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Keep government out of medical decisions", "summary": "Says government shouldn’t dictate personal medical decisions.", "sources": [ { "title": "Wahl campaign: issues", "url": "https://votejohnwahl.com/issues/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Border enforcement", "summary": "Supports President Trump’s plan to secure the southern border.", "sources": [ { "title": "Wahl campaign: issues", "url": "https://votejohnwahl.com/issues/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "safety" ], "headline": "Law and order, no gun control", "summary": "Says the state should stand strong for law and order, and opposes gun control.", "sources": [ { "title": "Wahl campaign: issues", "url": "https://votejohnwahl.com/issues/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "abortion" ], "headline": "Opposes abortion; supports adoption aid", "summary": "Calls himself “proudly and unapologetically pro-life” and supports help for expecting mothers and adoption.", "sources": [ { "title": "Wahl campaign: issues", "url": "https://votejohnwahl.com/issues/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: lieutenant governor race (May 17, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/05/17/in-alabama-lieutenant-governors-race-big-plans-for-a-weak-office/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Wahl campaign: issues", "url": "https://votejohnwahl.com/issues/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: GOP runoff", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/john-wahl-wes-allen-lieutenant-governor-runoff-alabama-republican/" }, { "title": "1819 News: Wahl on school choice", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/doug-jones-should-be-ashamed-of-himself-john-wahl-on-jones-attack-on-school-choice" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: lieutenant governor race (May 17, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/05/17/in-alabama-lieutenant-governors-race-big-plans-for-a-weak-office/" } ] } ], "campaigned_but_not_on_ballot": [], "laws_mentioned": [ "CHOOSE Act", "Medicaid expansion" ] }, { "id": "attorney-general", "office": "Attorney General", "level": "state", "what_it_does": "The state’s chief lawyer and top law enforcement officer. Represents Alabama in court and can step into utility rate cases on customers’ behalf.", "status": "Open seat", "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#attorney-general", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Priorities", "text": "McLaughlin lists public corruption, utility ratepayers, and fentanyl and scams; Robertson lists tougher criminal penalties, continuing the office’s current direction, and backing the Trump agenda." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": null, "note_sources": [], "candidates": [ { "name": "Jeff McLaughlin", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Guntersville attorney; former state representative", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Root out corruption", "summary": "Would use the office to fight public corruption and says he will not use it to settle political scores.", "sources": [ { "title": "McLaughlin campaign site", "url": "https://www.mclaughlinforag.com/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: McLaughlin profile (Jul 31, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/07/31/democratic-ag-nominee-jeff-mclaughlin-keeps-low-profile-in-statewide-race/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Advocate for ratepayers", "summary": "Would press for more oversight of utility rate cases and work to limit data centers’ effect on power bills.", "sources": [ { "title": "McLaughlin campaign site", "url": "https://www.mclaughlinforag.com/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: AG candidates and rate hearings (Sep 24, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/24/alabamas-attorney-general-can-intervene-in-rate-hearings-will-ag-candidates-do-so/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "safety" ], "headline": "Fentanyl and scams", "summary": "Would back local law enforcement, target fentanyl trafficking, and protect seniors and others from scams.", "sources": [ { "title": "McLaughlin campaign site", "url": "https://www.mclaughlinforag.com/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "McLaughlin campaign site", "url": "https://www.mclaughlinforag.com/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: AG candidates and rate hearings (Sep 24, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/24/alabamas-attorney-general-can-intervene-in-rate-hearings-will-ag-candidates-do-so/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: McLaughlin profile (Jul 31, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/07/31/democratic-ag-nominee-jeff-mclaughlin-keeps-low-profile-in-statewide-race/" } ] }, { "name": "Katherine Robertson", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "background": "Chief counsel to Attorney General Steve Marshall for nearly a decade; former U.S. Justice Department attorney", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "safety", "immigration" ], "headline": "Tougher criminal penalties", "summary": "Wants tougher laws on gang activity, child exploitation and illegal immigration, and says law enforcement “will always know I have their back.”", "sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Robertson campaign kickoff", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/katherine-robertson-kicks-off-campaign-for-attorney-general" }, { "title": "256 Today: Robertson announces candidacy (Jun 2025)", "url": "https://256today.com/robertson-announces-candidacy-for-alabama-attorney-general/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Continue the current course", "summary": "Argues the office should keep the direction set under Marshall, including legal challenges to federal regulations.", "sources": [ { "title": "256 Today: Robertson on experience", "url": "https://256today.com/robertson-says-experience-running-ags-office-sets-her-apart-in-attorney-general-race/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Manufacture Alabama endorsement (Aug 25, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/08/25/manufacture-alabama-endorses-katherine-robertson-for-attorney-general/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Back the Trump agenda", "summary": "Calls herself a “steadfast ally of President Trump” who has fought federal overreach to advance his agenda.", "sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Robertson campaign kickoff", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/katherine-robertson-kicks-off-campaign-for-attorney-general" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Robertson campaign kickoff", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/katherine-robertson-kicks-off-campaign-for-attorney-general" }, { "title": "256 Today: Robertson on experience", "url": "https://256today.com/robertson-says-experience-running-ags-office-sets-her-apart-in-attorney-general-race/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Manufacture Alabama endorsement (Aug 25, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/08/25/manufacture-alabama-endorses-katherine-robertson-for-attorney-general/" }, { "title": "256 Today: Robertson announces candidacy (Jun 2025)", "url": "https://256today.com/robertson-announces-candidacy-for-alabama-attorney-general/" } ] } ], "campaigned_but_not_on_ballot": [], "laws_mentioned": [] }, { "id": "secretary-of-state", "office": "Secretary of State", "level": "state", "what_it_does": "Runs state elections as chief elections officer and keeps official state records, including business filings.", "status": "Open seat", "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#secretary-of-state", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Elections", "text": "Dobson would create an Election Integrity Division and supports post-election audits; Rogers supports creating early voting and expanding absentee voting, and would end straight-ticket voting." }, { "label": "Where they agree", "text": "Both would make it easier to license or register a business." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": null, "note_sources": [], "candidates": [ { "name": "Caroleene Dobson", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "background": "Real estate attorney; 2024 Republican nominee for Congress in District 2", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Voter-roll and fraud unit", "summary": "Would create an Election Integrity Division to maintain voter rolls and follow up on fraud claims.", "sources": [ { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Dobson on elections", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/caroleene-dobson-pledges-election-integrity-in-alabamas-elections/" }, { "title": "1819 News: Dobson Huntsville speech", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/sos-hopeful-caroleene-dobson-stresses-need-for-election-integrity-division-during-huntsville-speech" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Post-election audits", "summary": "Supports post-election audits of state elections.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Secretary of State", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alsos/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Easier business licensing", "summary": "Would make the business licensing process easier.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Secretary of State", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alsos/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Dobson on elections", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/caroleene-dobson-pledges-election-integrity-in-alabamas-elections/" }, { "title": "1819 News: Dobson Huntsville speech", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/sos-hopeful-caroleene-dobson-stresses-need-for-election-integrity-division-during-huntsville-speech" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Secretary of State", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alsos/" } ] }, { "name": "Wayne Rogers", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Attorney; former chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Party", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Early and absentee voting", "summary": "Supports creating early voting and expanding absentee voting.", "sources": [ { "title": "Trussville Tribune: Rogers platform (Aug 3, 2026)", "url": "https://www.trussvilletribune.com/2026/08/03/wayne-rogers-discusses-platform-in-alabama-secretary-of-state-race/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Secretary of State", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alsos/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "End straight-ticket voting", "summary": "Would end the option to vote for every candidate of one party with a single mark.", "sources": [ { "title": "Trussville Tribune: Rogers platform (Aug 3, 2026)", "url": "https://www.trussvilletribune.com/2026/08/03/wayne-rogers-discusses-platform-in-alabama-secretary-of-state-race/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Secretary of State", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alsos/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Cap campaign donations", "summary": "Would cap campaign contributions to candidates.", "sources": [ { "title": "Trussville Tribune: Rogers platform (Aug 3, 2026)", "url": "https://www.trussvilletribune.com/2026/08/03/wayne-rogers-discusses-platform-in-alabama-secretary-of-state-race/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Secretary of State", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alsos/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Easier business registration", "summary": "Wants to make it easier to register and run a business in Alabama and to improve the office’s processes.", "sources": [ { "title": "CBS 42: who will be the next secretary of state", "url": "https://www.cbs42.com/news/who-will-be-the-next-secretary-of-state-in-alabama/" }, { "title": "Clarke County Democrat: Rogers announces bid (Sep 2025)", "url": "https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/rogers-announces-bid-for-alabama-secretary-of-state/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Trussville Tribune: Rogers platform (Aug 3, 2026)", "url": "https://www.trussvilletribune.com/2026/08/03/wayne-rogers-discusses-platform-in-alabama-secretary-of-state-race/" }, { "title": "CBS 42: who will be the next secretary of state", "url": "https://www.cbs42.com/news/who-will-be-the-next-secretary-of-state-in-alabama/" }, { "title": "Clarke County Democrat: Rogers announces bid (Sep 2025)", "url": "https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/rogers-announces-bid-for-alabama-secretary-of-state/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Secretary of State", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alsos/" } ] } ], "campaigned_but_not_on_ballot": [], "laws_mentioned": [] }, { "id": "treasurer", "office": "State Treasurer", "level": "state", "what_it_does": "Manages and invests the state’s money, runs the state’s college-savings and disability-savings accounts, and returns unclaimed money, like forgotten bank balances, to its owners.", "status": "Incumbent running", "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#treasurer", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Approach", "text": "Boozer points to his record: a smaller office, growing savings programs, and returning unclaimed money; Houston would modernize the office and make state spending more transparent." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": null, "note_sources": [], "candidates": [ { "name": "Young Boozer", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "background": "State treasurer", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "A leaner office", "summary": "Cites cutting office staff from 46 to 25 and bringing the office budget below 2011 levels.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Boozer launches 2026 bid (Jun 5, 2025)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2025/06/05/young-boozer-launches-2026-bid-for-alabama-treasurer/" }, { "title": "Boozer campaign site", "url": "https://boozerfortreasurer.com/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "education" ], "headline": "Grow college savings", "summary": "Points to growth of the CollegeCounts 529 college-savings plan and the ABLE disability-savings program.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Boozer launches 2026 bid (Jun 5, 2025)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2025/06/05/young-boozer-launches-2026-bid-for-alabama-treasurer/" }, { "title": "WSFA: meet the treasurer candidates (Apr 30, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wsfa.com/2026/04/30/meet-candidates-alabamas-republicans-running-treasurer/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Return unclaimed money", "summary": "Highlights returning unclaimed property to owners and says the office now pays for itself from unclaimed-property revenue rather than the state’s General Fund.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Boozer launches 2026 bid (Jun 5, 2025)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2025/06/05/young-boozer-launches-2026-bid-for-alabama-treasurer/" }, { "title": "Boozer campaign site", "url": "https://boozerfortreasurer.com/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "No ESG investing (2022)", "summary": "Said in 2022 that the Treasury does not use environmental, social and governance criteria in investing, and that he pulled money from a BlackRock fund over low returns.", "sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Boozer on ESG (2022)", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/state-treasurer-boozer-retirement-systems-of-alabama-deny-using-esg-criteria-for-investments" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Boozer launches 2026 bid (Jun 5, 2025)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2025/06/05/young-boozer-launches-2026-bid-for-alabama-treasurer/" }, { "title": "WSFA: meet the treasurer candidates (Apr 30, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wsfa.com/2026/04/30/meet-candidates-alabamas-republicans-running-treasurer/" }, { "title": "Boozer campaign site", "url": "https://boozerfortreasurer.com/" }, { "title": "1819 News: Boozer on ESG (2022)", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/state-treasurer-boozer-retirement-systems-of-alabama-deny-using-esg-criteria-for-investments" } ] }, { "name": "Rosilyn “Roz” Houston", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Former banking executive; former CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Open the books", "summary": "Would make state spending more transparent to the public.", "sources": [ { "title": "Houston campaign site", "url": "https://www.rozforalabama.com/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Treasurer", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alstatetreasurer/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Modernize the office", "summary": "Would use her banking experience to “modernize” the office.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Treasurer", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alstatetreasurer/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Responsible investing", "summary": "Says she would protect taxpayer dollars and invest responsibly so state funds serve every citizen, not special interests.", "sources": [ { "title": "Houston campaign site", "url": "https://www.rozforalabama.com/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Help people find their money", "summary": "Says she will make sure Alabamians know the treasurer’s programs exist and can get to their own money “without a fight.”", "sources": [ { "title": "Houston campaign site", "url": "https://www.rozforalabama.com/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Houston campaign site", "url": "https://www.rozforalabama.com/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Treasurer", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alstatetreasurer/" } ] } ], "campaigned_but_not_on_ballot": [], "laws_mentioned": [] }, { "id": "auditor", "office": "State Auditor", "level": "state", "what_it_does": "Keeps track of state-owned property and money moving through the treasury. Also appoints one of the three members of each county’s board of registrars, the local office that signs up voters.", "status": "Incumbent running", "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#auditor", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Approach", "text": "Edwards would focus on transparency and fiscal oversight; Sorrell wants authority to investigate when state property is lost through negligence." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": null, "note_sources": [], "candidates": [ { "name": "Violet Edwards", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Madison County commissioner since 2020", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Transparency", "summary": "Would bring more transparency to the auditor’s office.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Edwards announces run (Jan 12, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/01/12/violet-edwards-announces-run-for-alabama-state-auditor/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Auditor", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alstateauditor/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "Fiscal oversight", "summary": "Cites her county record on fiscal responsibility and oversight of operations.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Edwards announces run (Jan 12, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/01/12/violet-edwards-announces-run-for-alabama-state-auditor/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Registrar appointments", "summary": "Highlights the auditor’s role in appointing the county officials who register voters.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Auditor", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alstateauditor/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Edwards announces run (Jan 12, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/01/12/violet-edwards-announces-run-for-alabama-state-auditor/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Auditor", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alstateauditor/" } ] }, { "name": "Andrew Sorrell", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "background": "State auditor since 2023; former state representative", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Investigate lost property", "summary": "Wants authority to investigate when state property is lost through negligence.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Auditor", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alstateauditor/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "Protect taxpayer dollars", "summary": "Cites his record of “defending taxpayers” and the money they send to Montgomery.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sorrell runs for re-election (Jan 7, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/01/07/andrew-sorrell-gives-up-secretary-of-state-bid-to-run-for-reelection-as-auditor/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Election audits (2025)", "summary": "In 2025, while running for secretary of state, called for a state law requiring election audits. He left that race in January 2026 to seek re-election as auditor.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sorrell runs for re-election (Jan 7, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/01/07/andrew-sorrell-gives-up-secretary-of-state-bid-to-run-for-reelection-as-auditor/" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Sorrell on election audits", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/andrew-sorrell-weve-got-to-get-an-election-audit-bill-done-here-in-alabama/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: Auditor", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alstateauditor/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sorrell runs for re-election (Jan 7, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/01/07/andrew-sorrell-gives-up-secretary-of-state-bid-to-run-for-reelection-as-auditor/" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Sorrell on election audits", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/andrew-sorrell-weve-got-to-get-an-election-audit-bill-done-here-in-alabama/" } ] } ], "campaigned_but_not_on_ballot": [], "laws_mentioned": [] }, { "id": "agriculture", "office": "Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries", "level": "state", "what_it_does": "Runs the state agriculture department: food safety inspections, farm programs and marketing, animal and plant disease testing, and consumer protection.", "status": "Open seat · Commissioner Rick Pate is term-limited", "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#agriculture", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Emphasis", "text": "Hill calls promoting Alabama-grown food through Sweet Grown Alabama a top priority; Sparks calls a cost-sharing program to help farmers buy equipment his top priority." }, { "label": "Where they agree", "text": "Both would end the state sales tax on farm equipment and restore a department crime or enforcement unit." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": "Both candidates want to end the state sales tax on farm equipment, and both have raised concerns about the federal plan to import more beef.", "note_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Hill and Sparks face off (Oct 1, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/01/corey-hill-ron-sparks-face-off-in-race-for-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries-seat/" }, { "title": "WSFA: candidates on beef imports (Sep 1, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wsfa.com/2026/09/01/commissioner-agriculture-candidates-share-concerns-about-trump-admin-beef-import-plan/" } ], "candidates": [ { "name": "Corey Hill", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "background": "Mayor of Douglas (Marshall County); cattle and poultry farmer", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "rural" ], "headline": "Buy Alabama-grown", "summary": "Says encouraging Alabamians to eat food grown in the state, through the Sweet Grown Alabama program, would be a top priority, and wants more local produce in school lunches.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Sparks and Hill make their cases", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/sparks-and-hill-make-their-cases-to-be-alabamas-next-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "rural" ], "headline": "Keep regulation light", "summary": "Says regulations are hard on farmers and he would keep them low.", "sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Hill announces run", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/douglas-mayor-corey-hill-running-for-ag-commissioner-in-2026" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "rural" ], "headline": "End farm-equipment tax", "summary": "Would work to eliminate the state sales tax on farm equipment.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Hill and Sparks face off (Oct 1, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/01/corey-hill-ron-sparks-face-off-in-race-for-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries-seat/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "safety", "rural" ], "headline": "Restore a rural crime unit", "summary": "Would bring back the department’s rural crime division.", "sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Hill announces run", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/douglas-mayor-corey-hill-running-for-ag-commissioner-in-2026" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Sparks and Hill make their cases", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/sparks-and-hill-make-their-cases-to-be-alabamas-next-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries/" }, { "title": "1819 News: Hill announces run", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/douglas-mayor-corey-hill-running-for-ag-commissioner-in-2026" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Hill and Sparks face off (Oct 1, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/01/corey-hill-ron-sparks-face-off-in-race-for-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries-seat/" } ] }, { "name": "Ron Sparks", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Former commissioner of agriculture and industries (2003–2011)", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "rural" ], "headline": "Farmer cost-share program", "summary": "Says his top priority would be a cost-sharing program, modeled on Tennessee’s, to help farmers buy equipment.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Sparks and Hill make their cases", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/sparks-and-hill-make-their-cases-to-be-alabamas-next-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries/" }, { "title": "Franklin Free Press: Sparks campaign (Sep 2026)", "url": "https://www.franklinfreepress.net/news/franklin-county-a-frequent-stop-as-sparks-campaigns-for-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries-26309a" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "rural" ], "headline": "End farm-equipment tax", "summary": "Would end the 1.5% state sales tax on farm equipment.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Sparks and Hill make their cases", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/sparks-and-hill-make-their-cases-to-be-alabamas-next-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "safety", "rural" ], "headline": "Restore enforcement and inspections", "summary": "Would bring back the department’s law enforcement division and state gas-pump inspections to fight farm theft, consumer fraud and price gouging.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sparks campaign (May 15, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/05/15/sparks-shares-policy-focused-campaign-bid-for-commissioner-of-agriculture/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Sparks and Hill make their cases", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/sparks-and-hill-make-their-cases-to-be-alabamas-next-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries/" }, { "title": "Franklin Free Press: Sparks campaign (Sep 2026)", "url": "https://www.franklinfreepress.net/news/franklin-county-a-frequent-stop-as-sparks-campaigns-for-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries-26309a" } ] }, { "topics": [ "rural" ], "headline": "Build on his record", "summary": "Points to his earlier tenure, when he says the department pursued livestock theft, checked fuel-pump accuracy, took an aggressive approach to food safety, and opened three animal diagnostic labs.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sparks campaign (May 15, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/05/15/sparks-shares-policy-focused-campaign-bid-for-commissioner-of-agriculture/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Sparks and Hill make their cases", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/sparks-and-hill-make-their-cases-to-be-alabamas-next-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sparks campaign (May 15, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/05/15/sparks-shares-policy-focused-campaign-bid-for-commissioner-of-agriculture/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Sparks and Hill make their cases", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/sparks-and-hill-make-their-cases-to-be-alabamas-next-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries/" }, { "title": "Franklin Free Press: Sparks campaign (Sep 2026)", "url": "https://www.franklinfreepress.net/news/franklin-county-a-frequent-stop-as-sparks-campaigns-for-commissioner-of-agriculture-and-industries-26309a" } ] } ], "campaigned_but_not_on_ballot": [], "laws_mentioned": [] }, { "id": "psc-1", "office": "Public Service Commission, Place 1", "level": "state", "what_it_does": "Sets Alabama Power’s electricity rates and regulates some gas and water companies. It does not set rates for electric co-ops, city-owned utilities, or TVA power.", "status": "Open seat · Incumbent lost the Republican primary", "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#psc-1", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Power bills", "text": "Gentry wants a full comparison of Alabama’s rates with other states; Gordon calls for cutting Alabama Power bills about 25% and extending the freeze on Alabama Power’s base rates to 2030." }, { "label": "Where they agree", "text": "Both call for public rate hearings." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": "A 2026 state law expands the commission from three to seven members. Gov. Ivey appointed four new members, who will face elections in staggered terms. The law also freezes Alabama Power’s base rates until 2029, allows a formal rate hearing only if five of seven commissioners or the energy secretary call for one, and creates a state energy secretary appointed by the governor. Sheila McNeil, the Democratic candidate for Place 2, has challenged the law in federal court.", "note_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC race (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/16/in-public-service-commission-race-reorganization-bill-looms-over-candidates/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Ivey’s PSC appointments (Jun 17, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/06/17/gov-kay-ivey-makes-four-appointments-to-the-alabama-public-service-commission/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: McNeil lawsuit (May 27, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/05/27/democratic-candidate-files-lawsuit-against-psc-bill-approved-by-legislature/" }, { "title": "Alabama PSC: electric utilities it regulates", "url": "https://psc.alabama.gov/electric/" } ], "candidates": [ { "name": "Matt Gentry", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "background": "Cullman County sheriff", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Public rate hearings", "summary": "Supports public rate hearings to increase transparency.", "sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Gentry on utility rates", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/public-service-commission-candidate-and-cullman-co-sheriff-matt-gentry-talks-utility-rates-psc-hearings-to-increase-transparency" } ] }, { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Compare rates with other states", "summary": "Wants a full comparison of Alabama’s rates with other states.", "sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Gentry on utility rates", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/public-service-commission-candidate-and-cullman-co-sheriff-matt-gentry-talks-utility-rates-psc-hearings-to-increase-transparency" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Gentry on utility rates", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/public-service-commission-candidate-and-cullman-co-sheriff-matt-gentry-talks-utility-rates-psc-hearings-to-increase-transparency" } ] }, { "name": "James Gordon", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Mobile chiropractor; former state representative", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Cut power bills 25%", "summary": "Calls for cutting Alabama Power bills by about a quarter.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC race (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/16/in-public-service-commission-race-reorganization-bill-looms-over-candidates/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: PSC Place 1", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alpsc01/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Open rate hearings", "summary": "Would replace the formula now used to adjust Alabama Power’s rates with full rate hearings open to the public.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC race (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/16/in-public-service-commission-race-reorganization-bill-looms-over-candidates/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Extend the rate freeze", "summary": "Wants to lower rates to 12 cents per kilowatt-hour and extend the freeze on Alabama Power’s base rates, now set to end in 2029, to 2030.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC race (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/16/in-public-service-commission-race-reorganization-bill-looms-over-candidates/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC race (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/16/in-public-service-commission-race-reorganization-bill-looms-over-candidates/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: PSC Place 1", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alpsc01/" } ] } ], "campaigned_but_not_on_ballot": [], "laws_mentioned": [] }, { "id": "psc-2", "office": "Public Service Commission, Place 2", "level": "state", "what_it_does": "Sets Alabama Power’s electricity rates and regulates some gas and water companies. It does not set rates for electric co-ops, city-owned utilities, or TVA power.", "status": "Open seat · Incumbent lost the Republican runoff", "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#psc-2", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Rates", "text": "McNeil would review the formula used to adjust rates and add a customer advisory council; Zeigler would review rate requests closely and make clear which costs are passed on to customers." }, { "label": "Where they agree", "text": "Both say data centers should cover the cost of their own power demand." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": "A 2026 state law expands the commission from three to seven members. Gov. Ivey appointed four new members, who will face elections in staggered terms. The law also freezes Alabama Power’s base rates until 2029, allows a formal rate hearing only if five of seven commissioners or the energy secretary call for one, and creates a state energy secretary appointed by the governor. Sheila McNeil, the Democratic candidate for Place 2, has challenged the law in federal court.", "note_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC race (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/16/in-public-service-commission-race-reorganization-bill-looms-over-candidates/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Ivey’s PSC appointments (Jun 17, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/06/17/gov-kay-ivey-makes-four-appointments-to-the-alabama-public-service-commission/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: McNeil lawsuit (May 27, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/05/27/democratic-candidate-files-lawsuit-against-psc-bill-approved-by-legislature/" }, { "title": "Alabama PSC: electric utilities it regulates", "url": "https://psc.alabama.gov/electric/" } ], "candidates": [ { "name": "Sheila McNeil", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Public policy consultant; former San Antonio City Council member", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Data centers pay their way", "summary": "Says large new customers should cover the cost of serving them and proposes a regional body to approve data centers.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: McNeil on data centers (Jul 21, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/07/21/psc-candidate-calls-for-protections-when-reviewing-data-center-contracts/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Reform how rates are set", "summary": "Would review the formula used to adjust rates and create a council of customers to advise the commission.", "sources": [ { "title": "McNeil campaign site", "url": "https://mcneilforpsc2.com/about-me/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC race (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/16/in-public-service-commission-race-reorganization-bill-looms-over-candidates/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: McNeil on data centers (Jul 21, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/07/21/psc-candidate-calls-for-protections-when-reviewing-data-center-contracts/" }, { "title": "McNeil campaign site", "url": "https://mcneilforpsc2.com/about-me/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC race (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/16/in-public-service-commission-race-reorganization-bill-looms-over-candidates/" } ] }, { "name": "Jim Zeigler", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "background": "Former state auditor; former PSC member", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Data centers cover their power costs", "summary": "Says Alabama families shouldn’t pay for data centers’ power demand and would act as a watchman over new data centers and solar farms.", "sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Zeigler on data centers", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/psc-candidate-jim-zeigler-alabama-families-shouldnt-pay-the-bill-for-data-centers-electricity-demands" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC runoff (Jun 11, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/06/11/republican-primary-for-public-service-commission-seat-goes-to-runoff/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "Scrutinize rate requests", "summary": "Would review rate requests closely and make clear which costs utilities pass on to customers.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC race (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/16/in-public-service-commission-race-reorganization-bill-looms-over-candidates/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Zeigler on data centers", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/psc-candidate-jim-zeigler-alabama-families-shouldnt-pay-the-bill-for-data-centers-electricity-demands" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC runoff (Jun 11, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/06/11/republican-primary-for-public-service-commission-seat-goes-to-runoff/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: PSC race (Oct 16, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/16/in-public-service-commission-race-reorganization-bill-looms-over-candidates/" } ] } ], "campaigned_but_not_on_ballot": [], "laws_mentioned": [] }, { "id": "senate", "office": "U.S. Senate", "level": "federal", "what_it_does": "One of Alabama’s two U.S. senators. Serves a six-year term writing federal law and confirming judges and cabinet officials.", "status": "Open seat · Sen. Tuberville is running for governor", "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#senate", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Immigration", "text": "Moore supports deporting people in the country illegally, starting with violent offenders; Wess wants more money for immigration courts rather than ICE enforcement." }, { "label": "Health care", "text": "Moore voted for the 2025 tax-and-spending law, which extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending; Wess supports Medicaid expansion and more federal support for rural hospitals." } ], "debates": "None scheduled as of Oct. 20.", "notes": "Independent Craig Jelks campaigned for this seat but is not listed on the official sample ballots, which show only Moore and Wess.", "note_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Secretary of State: 2026 election information and certifications", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/election-information/2026" }, { "title": "Alabama Secretary of State: Mobile County sample ballot", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/sample-ballots/2026/gen/Mobile-Sample.pdf" } ], "candidates": [ { "name": "Barry Moore", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "background": "U.S. representative since 2021; former state legislator; from Enterprise", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Deportations and official English", "summary": "Supports deporting people in the country illegally, starting with violent offenders, and making English the official language.", "sources": [ { "title": "Ballotpedia: Moore campaign themes", "url": "https://ballotpedia.org/Barry_Moore_(Alabama_U.S._representative)" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government", "immigration" ], "headline": "Write Trump’s orders into law", "summary": "Wants Congress to codify President Trump’s executive orders, starting with immigration, so a future president can’t undo them.", "sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Moore’s Senate priorities", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/codify-all-trump-executive-orders-moore-lays-out-immediate-legislative-priorities-if-elected-to-u-s-senate" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "Tax cuts, less waste", "summary": "Points to his votes for tax deductions on tips and overtime and a new deduction for seniors, and says tackling government waste and fraud will help lower inflation.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Moore launches Senate bid (Aug 12, 2025)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2025/08/12/barry-moore-launches-u-s-senate-bid-vows-to-back-trump-and-fight-d-c-swamp/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: GOP Senate candidates on affordability", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/alabamas-gop-frontrunners-for-u-s-senate-talk-affordability-iran/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "rural" ], "headline": "Voted for the 2026 farm bill", "summary": "Voted for the House-passed 2026 farm bill. In 2025, as an Agriculture Committee member, called crop insurance “the single most important risk management tool” for farmers.", "sources": [ { "title": "Moore op-ed: Farm Bill 2.0 (Aug 2025)", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/barry-moore-op-ed-alabama-farmers-deserve-a-farm-bill-2-0/" }, { "title": "House roll call 154: 2026 farm bill (Apr 30, 2026)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2026154" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Tariffs for jobs", "summary": "Said in 2025 that tariffs will “lower costs and create good jobs” in the long run.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Daily News: delegation backs tariffs (Apr 2025)", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/alabamas-gop-lawmakers-back-trumps-sweeping-tariffs/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "health" ], "headline": "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law", "summary": "Voted for the 2025 federal tax-and-spending law (H.R. 1), which extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending.", "sources": [ { "title": "Moore press release: 2025 budget law vote (May 22, 2025)", "url": "https://barrymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-barry-moore-supports-president-trumps-one-big-beautiful-reconciliation" }, { "title": "House roll call 190 (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Army aviation base funding", "summary": "Pressed the Army in 2024 over shifts in training funds at the Army aviation base in the Wiregrass, now called Fort Rucker.", "sources": [ { "title": "Moore press release: Fort Novosel (now Fort Rucker) funding (May 2024)", "url": "https://barrymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-barry-moore-pushes-answers-army-fort-novosel-funding" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Ballotpedia: Moore campaign themes", "url": "https://ballotpedia.org/Barry_Moore_(Alabama_U.S._representative)" }, { "title": "1819 News: Moore’s Senate priorities", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/codify-all-trump-executive-orders-moore-lays-out-immediate-legislative-priorities-if-elected-to-u-s-senate" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Moore launches Senate bid (Aug 12, 2025)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2025/08/12/barry-moore-launches-u-s-senate-bid-vows-to-back-trump-and-fight-d-c-swamp/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: GOP Senate candidates on affordability", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/alabamas-gop-frontrunners-for-u-s-senate-talk-affordability-iran/" }, { "title": "Moore op-ed: Farm Bill 2.0 (Aug 2025)", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/barry-moore-op-ed-alabama-farmers-deserve-a-farm-bill-2-0/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: delegation backs tariffs (Apr 2025)", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/alabamas-gop-lawmakers-back-trumps-sweeping-tariffs/" }, { "title": "Moore press release: 2025 budget law vote (May 22, 2025)", "url": "https://barrymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-barry-moore-supports-president-trumps-one-big-beautiful-reconciliation" }, { "title": "House roll call 190 (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190" }, { "title": "Moore press release: Fort Novosel (now Fort Rucker) funding (May 2024)", "url": "https://barrymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-barry-moore-pushes-answers-army-fort-novosel-funding" }, { "title": "House roll call 154: 2026 farm bill (Apr 30, 2026)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2026154" } ] }, { "name": "Everett Wess", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Birmingham attorney and Midfield municipal judge; grew up on the Gulf Coast", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Protect voting rights", "summary": "Urges Alabamians to protect the right to vote following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2026 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which narrowed Voting Rights Act claims.", "sources": [ { "title": "Wess campaign: protect the right to vote", "url": "https://wessforsenate.com/f/everett-wess-calls-on-alabamians-to-protect-the-right-to-vote" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Good jobs, workers’ rights", "summary": "Calls for well-paying jobs, stronger worker protections, and the right to organize.", "sources": [ { "title": "Wess campaign: son of a union worker", "url": "https://wessforsenate.com/f/a-son-of-a-union-worker-runs-for-us-senate" } ] }, { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Rural health care", "summary": "Wants more federal support for rural hospitals and incentives for doctors in underserved areas, and supports Medicaid expansion.", "sources": [ { "title": "Wess campaign site", "url": "https://wessforsenate.com/" }, { "title": "WVUA 23: Senate seat spotlight", "url": "https://www.wvua23.com/news/u-s-senate-seat-spotlight-everett-wess-democratic-nominee/article_e4400741-004d-4281-80bb-e7208eda1d04.html" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Wess on rural health (Sep 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/09/16/wess-highlights-alabamas-rural-healthcare-crisis-criticizes-moores-voting-record/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "health", "defense" ], "headline": "Social Security, Medicare, veterans", "summary": "Lists protecting Social Security and Medicare, and expanded opportunities for veterans moving to civilian life, among his priorities.", "sources": [ { "title": "Wess campaign: son of a union worker", "url": "https://wessforsenate.com/f/a-son-of-a-union-worker-runs-for-us-senate" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Courts over enforcement", "summary": "Wants more money for immigration judges and courts rather than ICE enforcement, and says masked agents violate due-process rights.", "sources": [ { "title": "WVUA 23: Senate seat spotlight", "url": "https://www.wvua23.com/news/u-s-senate-seat-spotlight-everett-wess-democratic-nominee/article_e4400741-004d-4281-80bb-e7208eda1d04.html" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "Cost of living", "summary": "Says families are squeezed by rent and mortgages, gas and groceries, and utility and medical bills.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Wess campaign (Sep 25, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/25/democratic-u-s-senate-nominee-everett-wess-campaigns-against-long-odds/" }, { "title": "PBS NewsHour / AP: Senate runoff coverage (Jun 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-backed-u-s-rep-barry-moore-battles-ex-navy-seal-jared-hudson-in-gop-senate-runoff-in-alabama" } ] }, { "topics": [ "rural" ], "headline": "A voice for agriculture", "summary": "Says Alabama agriculture deserves “a seat at the table” when Washington makes decisions about farms, and opposes the federal plan to expand beef imports.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Wess on beef imports (Sep 11, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/09/11/everett-wess-criticizes-trump-beef-import-plan-backs-figures-legislation/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Wess campaign site", "url": "https://wessforsenate.com/" }, { "title": "Wess campaign: protect the right to vote", "url": "https://wessforsenate.com/f/everett-wess-calls-on-alabamians-to-protect-the-right-to-vote" }, { "title": "Wess campaign: son of a union worker", "url": "https://wessforsenate.com/f/a-son-of-a-union-worker-runs-for-us-senate" }, { "title": "WVUA 23: Senate seat spotlight", "url": "https://www.wvua23.com/news/u-s-senate-seat-spotlight-everett-wess-democratic-nominee/article_e4400741-004d-4281-80bb-e7208eda1d04.html" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Wess campaign (Sep 25, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/25/democratic-u-s-senate-nominee-everett-wess-campaigns-against-long-odds/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Wess on rural health (Sep 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/09/16/wess-highlights-alabamas-rural-healthcare-crisis-criticizes-moores-voting-record/" }, { "title": "PBS NewsHour / AP: Senate runoff coverage (Jun 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-backed-u-s-rep-barry-moore-battles-ex-navy-seal-jared-hudson-in-gop-senate-runoff-in-alabama" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Wess on beef imports (Sep 11, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/09/11/everett-wess-criticizes-trump-beef-import-plan-backs-figures-legislation/" } ] } ], "campaigned_but_not_on_ballot": [ { "name": "Craig Jelks", "party": "Independent", "on_ballot": false, "note": "Campaigned as an independent; not listed on the official sample ballots." } ], "laws_mentioned": [ "H.R. 1 (2025 tax-and-spending law)", "Voting Rights Act", "Medicaid expansion" ] }, { "id": "us-house-al-1", "office": "U.S. House, District 1", "level": "federal", "what_it_does": "Your representative serves a two-year term. You vote only in your own district.", "status": "Open seat · Rep. Moore is running for Senate", "district": { "number": 1, "area": "Southwest Alabama: Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia and Covington counties" }, "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#al-1", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Immigration", "text": "Carl pledges to keep borders secure; Jones calls for a path to legal status." } ], "debates": "None scheduled. Carl declined a debate challenge from Jones.", "notes": null, "note_sources": [ { "title": "NBC 15: Carl declines debate challenge", "url": "https://mynbc15.com/news/local/jerry-carl-declines-debate-challenge-from-clyde-jones" } ], "candidates": [ { "name": "Jerry Carl", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "background": "U.S. representative for this area 2021–2025; former Mobile County Commission president", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Advance the Trump agenda", "summary": "Pledges to advance President Trump’s agenda and conservative priorities in Congress.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Carl announces bid (Aug 18, 2025)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2025/08/18/jerry-carl-announces-comeback-bid-for-alabamas-1st-congressional-district/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Protect the Port of Mobile", "summary": "Says any merger of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads must protect service and competition at the Port of Mobile.", "sources": [ { "title": "Carl op-ed: rail merger and the port (Jul 10, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/07/10/opinion-mobile-deserves-more-than-promises-before-rail-merger/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "Cut wasteful spending", "summary": "Pledged to “slash wasteful spending” when he launched his 2025 campaign.", "sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Carl launches 2025 campaign", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/jerry-carl-announces-congressional-run-to-advance-president-trumps-america-first-agenda" }, { "title": "Fox 10: Carl announces bid (Aug 19, 2025)", "url": "https://www.fox10tv.com/2025/08/19/jerry-carl-announces-congressional-bid/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Secure the border", "summary": "Backed the 2023 House border bill as a congressman, pledges to keep borders secure, and says the legal immigration system needs fixing.", "sources": [ { "title": "Carl column: 2024 priorities (Atmore News, Jan 3, 2024)", "url": "https://atmorenews.com/2024/01/03/2024-priorities/" }, { "title": "1819 News: Carl on fixing legal immigration", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/jerry-carl-washington-needs-to-bite-the-bullet-fix-broken-immigration-system-to-allow-people-in-proper-way" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Carl announces bid (Aug 18, 2025)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2025/08/18/jerry-carl-announces-comeback-bid-for-alabamas-1st-congressional-district/" }, { "title": "Carl op-ed: rail merger and the port (Jul 10, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/07/10/opinion-mobile-deserves-more-than-promises-before-rail-merger/" }, { "title": "1819 News: Carl launches 2025 campaign", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/jerry-carl-announces-congressional-run-to-advance-president-trumps-america-first-agenda" }, { "title": "Fox 10: Carl announces bid (Aug 19, 2025)", "url": "https://www.fox10tv.com/2025/08/19/jerry-carl-announces-congressional-bid/" }, { "title": "Carl column: 2024 priorities (Atmore News, Jan 3, 2024)", "url": "https://atmorenews.com/2024/01/03/2024-priorities/" }, { "title": "1819 News: Carl on fixing legal immigration", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/jerry-carl-washington-needs-to-bite-the-bullet-fix-broken-immigration-system-to-allow-people-in-proper-way" } ] }, { "name": "Clyde Jones Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Retired Army first sergeant (21 years); associate minister in Daphne", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Expand health coverage", "summary": "Supports Medicaid expansion in Alabama and restoring the larger Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.", "sources": [ { "title": "Jones campaign: introduction", "url": "https://clydeforcongress.com/post/clydeintroduction" }, { "title": "Ballotpedia: District 1 election", "url": "https://ballotpedia.org/Alabama%27s_1st_Congressional_District_election,_2026" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "Lower insurance costs", "summary": "Backs tighter regulation of insurers to bring down costs for coastal homeowners.", "sources": [ { "title": "Jones campaign: introduction", "url": "https://clydeforcongress.com/post/clydeintroduction" }, { "title": "Ballotpedia: District 1 election", "url": "https://ballotpedia.org/Alabama%27s_1st_Congressional_District_election,_2026" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "A living wage", "summary": "Supports a living wage, noting that Alabama has no minimum wage of its own and defaults to the federal $7.25.", "sources": [ { "title": "Jones campaign: introduction", "url": "https://clydeforcongress.com/post/clydeintroduction" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Ethics rules for Congress", "summary": "Supports banning stock trading by members of Congress and their families, congressional term limits, and overturning Citizens United, the 2010 Supreme Court ruling that let corporations and unions spend unlimited amounts on independent political ads.", "sources": [ { "title": "Jones campaign: issues", "url": "https://clydeforcongress.com/issues" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Jones interview (Jun 2, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/06/02/cd1-hopeful-clyde-jones-talks-redistricting-affordability-ethics-reform/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Path to legal status", "summary": "Calls for immigration reform with a path to legal status and says quota-driven ICE arrests sweep up law-abiding immigrants.", "sources": [ { "title": "Jones campaign: issues", "url": "https://clydeforcongress.com/issues" }, { "title": "Murder Creek Media: Jones interview", "url": "https://www.murdercreekmedia.com/post/alabama-congressional-candidate-clyde-jones-discusses-healthcare-immigration-and-political-account" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Veterans’ voice on defense", "summary": "A 21-year Army veteran, says more members of the Armed Services Committee should have military experience.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Jones interview (Jun 2, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/06/02/cd1-hopeful-clyde-jones-talks-redistricting-affordability-ethics-reform/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Jones campaign: introduction", "url": "https://clydeforcongress.com/post/clydeintroduction" }, { "title": "Ballotpedia: District 1 election", "url": "https://ballotpedia.org/Alabama%27s_1st_Congressional_District_election,_2026" }, { "title": "Jones campaign: issues", "url": "https://clydeforcongress.com/issues" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Jones interview (Jun 2, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/06/02/cd1-hopeful-clyde-jones-talks-redistricting-affordability-ethics-reform/" }, { "title": "Murder Creek Media: Jones interview", "url": "https://www.murdercreekmedia.com/post/alabama-congressional-candidate-clyde-jones-discusses-healthcare-immigration-and-political-account" } ] } ], "laws_mentioned": [ "Affordable Care Act", "Medicaid expansion" ] }, { "id": "us-house-al-2", "office": "U.S. House, District 2", "level": "federal", "what_it_does": "Your representative serves a two-year term. You vote only in your own district.", "status": "Incumbent running · District redrawn for 2026", "district": { "number": 2, "area": "Southeast Alabama: the Wiregrass (Dothan, Enterprise) north to Montgomery" }, "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#al-2", "key_differences": [ { "label": "2025 tax-and-spending law", "text": "Figures voted against the law, which extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending; Marques supports its $50 billion rural hospital fund and says he would cut taxes and spending." }, { "label": "Farm bill", "text": "Figures voted against the House-passed 2026 farm bill, saying it fell short for farmers and rural hospitals; Marques supports it." } ], "debates": "None scheduled. Figures accepted several invitations; Marques said he does not plan to debate.", "notes": "Compared with the court-drawn map used in 2024, the reinstated map moves Mobile out of District 2 and adds the Wiregrass counties. In September, the University of Virginia’s Sabato’s Crystal Ball forecast rated the race Lean Republican, meaning competitive but favoring the Republican, the most competitive rating of any Alabama House race.", "note_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sabato rating (Sep 11, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/09/11/race-rater-narrows-gop-edge-in-alabamas-2nd-congressional-district/" }, { "title": "WTVY: what to know about the 2026 map (Aug 10, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wtvy.com/2026/08/10/decision-2026-what-know-alabama-2026-congressional-special-primary-election/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 2 race (Aug 13, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/08/13/alabama-2nd-congressional-district-race-could-have-national-implications/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: debates (Oct 9, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/10/09/figures-calls-for-cd2-debates-marques-refuses-invitation/" } ], "candidates": [ { "name": "Shomari Figures", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": true, "background": "U.S. representative since 2025; former Justice Department official", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Keep rural hospitals open", "summary": "Points to his work keeping district hospitals open, including Montgomery’s Jackson Hospital, and pledges better rural and mental health care.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 2", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al02/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Jackson Hospital and farmer ads", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/shomari-figures-and-dccc-release-ads-about-jackson-hospital-farmers-in-2nd-district-race/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "rural" ], "headline": "Relief for farmers", "summary": "Backs economic relief for farmers he says tariffs have hurt. Voted against the House-passed 2026 farm bill, saying it fell short for farmers and rural hospitals.", "sources": [ { "title": "Figures statement opposing the 2026 farm bill", "url": "https://figures.house.gov/media/press-releases/figures-issues-statement-opposing-2026-farm-bill" }, { "title": "Fox 10: Figures, Marques on the farm bill (Oct 15, 2026)", "url": "https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/10/15/figures-marques-trade-blame-over-farm-bill-alabama-congressional-race/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "education" ], "headline": "Schools, child care, broadband", "summary": "Supports federal money for school upgrades, more affordable child care, and wider broadband access.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 2", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al02/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Voted for the Laken Riley Act", "summary": "Voted for the Laken Riley Act in January 2025, which requires detention of immigrants in the country illegally who are charged with theft-related or violent crimes.", "sources": [ { "title": "House roll call 6 (Jan 7, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025006" }, { "title": "House roll call 23 (Jan 22, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025023" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Figures, Sewell vote for the Laken Riley Act (Jan 2025)", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/alabama-lawmakers-including-figures-and-sewell-vote-to-pass-britts-criminal-immigrant-crackdown-bill/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "health" ], "headline": "Voted against 2025 tax-and-spending law", "summary": "Voted against the 2025 federal tax-and-spending law (H.R. 1), which extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending.", "sources": [ { "title": "House roll call 190 (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy", "rural" ], "headline": "Protect cattle farmers", "summary": "Introduced a bill to cancel the federal plan expanding foreign beef imports, calling it “a slap in the face” to farmers.", "sources": [ { "title": "Fox 10: Figures, Marques on the farm bill (Oct 15, 2026)", "url": "https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/10/15/figures-marques-trade-blame-over-farm-bill-alabama-congressional-race/" }, { "title": "WKRG: Figures opposes foreign beef imports", "url": "https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/alabama-figures-opposes-foreign-ground-beef/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: beef import plan (Sep 11, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/09/11/everett-wess-criticizes-trump-beef-import-plan-backs-figures-legislation/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Voted against 2027 defense bill", "summary": "Voted against the House’s 2027 defense authorization (H.R. 8800) in July 2026, calling the amount of money it requests “outrageous,” especially in the midst of a war.", "sources": [ { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Rogers and Figures on the 2027 defense bill (Jul 2026)", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/it-is-outrageous-mike-rogers-shomari-figures-clash-over-ndaa-defense-spending/" }, { "title": "House roll call 278: 2027 defense bill (Jul 22, 2026)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2026278" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Pressed VA on layoffs", "summary": "In 2025 pressed the VA secretary about reported layoffs affecting facilities in Mobile, Montgomery and Tuskegee.", "sources": [ { "title": "Figures: veterans issues", "url": "https://figures.house.gov/issues/veterans" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 2", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al02/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Jackson Hospital and farmer ads", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/shomari-figures-and-dccc-release-ads-about-jackson-hospital-farmers-in-2nd-district-race/" }, { "title": "Figures statement opposing the 2026 farm bill", "url": "https://figures.house.gov/media/press-releases/figures-issues-statement-opposing-2026-farm-bill" }, { "title": "Fox 10: Figures, Marques on the farm bill (Oct 15, 2026)", "url": "https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/10/15/figures-marques-trade-blame-over-farm-bill-alabama-congressional-race/" }, { "title": "House roll call 190 (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190" }, { "title": "WKRG: Figures opposes foreign beef imports", "url": "https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/alabama-figures-opposes-foreign-ground-beef/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: beef import plan (Sep 11, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/09/11/everett-wess-criticizes-trump-beef-import-plan-backs-figures-legislation/" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Rogers and Figures on the 2027 defense bill (Jul 2026)", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/it-is-outrageous-mike-rogers-shomari-figures-clash-over-ndaa-defense-spending/" }, { "title": "Figures: veterans issues", "url": "https://figures.house.gov/issues/veterans" }, { "title": "House roll call 6 (Jan 7, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025006" }, { "title": "House roll call 23 (Jan 22, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025023" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Figures, Sewell vote for the Laken Riley Act (Jan 2025)", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/alabama-lawmakers-including-figures-and-sewell-vote-to-pass-britts-criminal-immigrant-crackdown-bill/" }, { "title": "House roll call 278: 2027 defense bill (Jul 22, 2026)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2026278" } ] }, { "name": "Rhett Marques", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "background": "State representative from Enterprise since 2018; small-business owner", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "Cut taxes and spending", "summary": "Says he would lower prices by cutting taxes and spending, and cites his support for eliminating state taxes on overtime pay.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 2", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al02/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Marques on small business (Sep 11, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/11/second-congressional-district-candidate-rhett-marques-pledges-help-for-small-businesses/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Less red tape for small business", "summary": "Pledges to reduce regulations and taxes on small businesses.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Marques on small business (Sep 11, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/11/second-congressional-district-candidate-rhett-marques-pledges-help-for-small-businesses/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "rural" ], "headline": "Back the farm bill", "summary": "Supports the House-passed 2026 farm bill.", "sources": [ { "title": "WTVY: farm policy in the District 2 race (Oct 14, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wtvy.com/2026/10/14/agriculture-policy-fuels-close-alabama-congressional-race/" }, { "title": "Fox 10: Figures, Marques on the farm bill (Oct 15, 2026)", "url": "https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/10/15/figures-marques-trade-blame-over-farm-bill-alabama-congressional-race/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Back Trump on immigration", "summary": "Supports President Trump’s deportation policies.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 2", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al02/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Rural hospital fund", "summary": "Supports the $50 billion rural hospital fund in the 2025 federal tax-and-spending law.", "sources": [ { "title": "1819 News: Marques on Figures’ record", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/rhett-marques-takes-aim-at-shomari-figures-voting-record-in-craziness-vs-common-sense-website-in-election-lead-up" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Military and veterans", "summary": "Lists supporting law enforcement, the military, veterans and farmers among his priorities.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Scalise campaigns for Marques (Oct 2026)", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/swing-district-steve-scalise-stumps-for-marques-in-competitive-2nd-district-race/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 2", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al02/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Marques on small business (Sep 11, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/09/11/second-congressional-district-candidate-rhett-marques-pledges-help-for-small-businesses/" }, { "title": "WTVY: farm policy in the District 2 race (Oct 14, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wtvy.com/2026/10/14/agriculture-policy-fuels-close-alabama-congressional-race/" }, { "title": "Fox 10: Figures, Marques on the farm bill (Oct 15, 2026)", "url": "https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/10/15/figures-marques-trade-blame-over-farm-bill-alabama-congressional-race/" }, { "title": "1819 News: Marques on Figures’ record", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/rhett-marques-takes-aim-at-shomari-figures-voting-record-in-craziness-vs-common-sense-website-in-election-lead-up" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: Scalise campaigns for Marques (Oct 2026)", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/swing-district-steve-scalise-stumps-for-marques-in-competitive-2nd-district-race/" } ] } ], "laws_mentioned": [ "H.R. 1 (2025 tax-and-spending law)", "Laken Riley Act", "H.R. 8800 (2027 defense authorization)" ] }, { "id": "us-house-al-3", "office": "U.S. House, District 3", "level": "federal", "what_it_does": "Your representative serves a two-year term. You vote only in your own district.", "status": "Incumbent running", "district": { "number": 3, "area": "East Alabama: Anniston, Gadsden, Talladega, Auburn and Opelika" }, "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#al-3", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Immigration", "text": "McInnis in November 2025 called current federal enforcement “illegal, unconstitutional and inhumane”; Rogers says “border security is national security.”" }, { "label": "Health care", "text": "McInnis criticizes the Medicaid reductions in the 2025 tax-and-spending law; Rogers voted for the law, which also extended the 2017 tax cuts." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": null, "note_sources": [], "candidates": [ { "name": "Lee McInnis", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Army and defense intelligence veteran of about 30 years; from Opelika", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Rural health care access", "summary": "Highlights the long drives rural residents face for care, including to deliver a baby, and criticizes the Medicaid reductions in the 2025 federal tax-and-spending law.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 3 race (Oct 19, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/19/in-alabamas-3rd-congressional-district-a-longtime-gop-incumbent-faces-a-new-comer/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Living-wage jobs", "summary": "Wants more jobs in the district that pay a living wage.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 3 race (Oct 19, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/19/in-alabamas-3rd-congressional-district-a-longtime-gop-incumbent-faces-a-new-comer/" }, { "title": "WSFA: McInnis town hall in Opelika (Aug 21, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wsfa.com/2026/08/21/democratic-congressional-nominee-holds-town-hall-opelika/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "rural" ], "headline": "Water and broadband", "summary": "Calls for investment in rural water systems and broadband.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 3 race (Oct 19, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/19/in-alabamas-3rd-congressional-district-a-longtime-gop-incumbent-faces-a-new-comer/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Stronger VA health care", "summary": "Says that, as a disabled veteran, he believes the nation promised quality health care to those who served, and calls for a stronger VA health system.", "sources": [ { "title": "Ballotpedia: McInnis candidate survey", "url": "https://ballotpedia.org/Lee_McInnis" }, { "title": "Auburn Plainsman: McInnis town hall (Nov 2025)", "url": "https://www.theplainsman.com/article/2025/11/us-congressional-candidate-lee-mcinnis-holds-open-town-hall" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "rural" ], "headline": "Says tariffs hurt farmers", "summary": "Said in 2025 that tariffs and lost export markets leave Alabama peanut, cotton and soybean growers selling at a loss.", "sources": [ { "title": "Auburn Plainsman: McInnis town hall (Nov 2025)", "url": "https://www.theplainsman.com/article/2025/11/us-congressional-candidate-lee-mcinnis-holds-open-town-hall" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Opposes current enforcement tactics", "summary": "Called current federal immigration enforcement “illegal, unconstitutional and inhumane” at a November 2025 town hall.", "sources": [ { "title": "Auburn Plainsman: McInnis town hall (Nov 2025)", "url": "https://www.theplainsman.com/article/2025/11/us-congressional-candidate-lee-mcinnis-holds-open-town-hall" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 3 race (Oct 19, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/19/in-alabamas-3rd-congressional-district-a-longtime-gop-incumbent-faces-a-new-comer/" }, { "title": "WSFA: McInnis town hall in Opelika (Aug 21, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wsfa.com/2026/08/21/democratic-congressional-nominee-holds-town-hall-opelika/" }, { "title": "Ballotpedia: McInnis candidate survey", "url": "https://ballotpedia.org/Lee_McInnis" }, { "title": "Auburn Plainsman: McInnis town hall (Nov 2025)", "url": "https://www.theplainsman.com/article/2025/11/us-congressional-candidate-lee-mcinnis-holds-open-town-hall" } ] }, { "name": "Mike Rogers", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "background": "U.S. representative since 2003; chairman of the House Armed Services Committee", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "National security first", "summary": "Lists strengthening national security as a top priority and backs President Trump’s “peace through strength” approach.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 3 race (Oct 19, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/19/in-alabamas-3rd-congressional-district-a-longtime-gop-incumbent-faces-a-new-comer/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Local economic projects", "summary": "Cites federal money he secured for Jacksonville State University and an Auburn workforce center.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 3 race (Oct 19, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/19/in-alabamas-3rd-congressional-district-a-longtime-gop-incumbent-faces-a-new-comer/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "abortion" ], "headline": "Opposes abortion", "summary": "Lists protecting unborn lives among his top priorities.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 3 race (Oct 19, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/19/in-alabamas-3rd-congressional-district-a-longtime-gop-incumbent-faces-a-new-comer/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "health" ], "headline": "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law", "summary": "Voted for the 2025 federal tax-and-spending law (H.R. 1), which extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending.", "sources": [ { "title": "House roll call 190 (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Border security as national security", "summary": "Backed President Trump’s 2025 border actions, saying “border security is national security,” and supports more Defense Department help at the border.", "sources": [ { "title": "Rogers press release: border security", "url": "https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4052" } ] }, { "topics": [ "rural" ], "headline": "Farm bill and rural water", "summary": "Voted for the House-passed 2026 farm bill and joined Rep. Terri Sewell on a bill renewing USDA grants for rural household wastewater systems.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: House passes farm bill (May 1, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/05/01/house-passes-2026-farm-bill-alabama-delegation-splits-along-party-lines/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sewell, Rogers wastewater bill (Mar 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/03/16/reps-sewell-rogers-introduce-bill-to-address-rural-wastewater-crisis/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 3 race (Oct 19, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/19/in-alabamas-3rd-congressional-district-a-longtime-gop-incumbent-faces-a-new-comer/" }, { "title": "House roll call 190 (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190" }, { "title": "Rogers press release: border security", "url": "https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4052" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: House passes farm bill (May 1, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/05/01/house-passes-2026-farm-bill-alabama-delegation-splits-along-party-lines/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sewell, Rogers wastewater bill (Mar 16, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/03/16/reps-sewell-rogers-introduce-bill-to-address-rural-wastewater-crisis/" } ] } ], "laws_mentioned": [ "H.R. 1 (2025 tax-and-spending law)" ] }, { "id": "us-house-al-4", "office": "U.S. House, District 4", "level": "federal", "what_it_does": "Your representative serves a two-year term. You vote only in your own district.", "status": "Incumbent running", "district": { "number": 4, "area": "North-central and northwest Alabama, including Cullman, Marshall, DeKalb and Walker counties" }, "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#al-4", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Abortion", "text": "Aderholt supports restrictions on abortion; Pusczek supports federal protections for abortion rights." }, { "label": "Immigration", "text": "Aderholt defends ICE enforcement; Pusczek questions new ICE spending." }, { "label": "Health care", "text": "Aderholt voted for the 2025 tax-and-spending law, which extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending, and says his 2027 spending bill raises a rural hospital program to $100 million; Pusczek supports Medicaid expansion." }, { "label": "Where they agree", "text": "Both want more money for rural hospitals." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": null, "note_sources": [], "candidates": [ { "name": "Robert Aderholt", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "background": "U.S. representative since 1997; chairs the House spending subcommittee for health, labor and education", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Economic development", "summary": "Says he supports economic development and opposes “the radical left social and economic agenda.”", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 4", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al04/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Rural hospital funding", "summary": "Says his 2027 spending bill grows a federal rural hospital assistance program from $25 million to $100 million.", "sources": [ { "title": "Aderholt press release: rural health care", "url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-aderholt-joins-hrsa-administrator-engels-rural-healthcare" } ] }, { "topics": [ "abortion" ], "headline": "Supports abortion restrictions", "summary": "Supports restrictions on abortion.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 4", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al04/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "health" ], "headline": "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law", "summary": "Voted for the 2025 federal tax-and-spending law (H.R. 1), which extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending.", "sources": [ { "title": "Aderholt press release: final House passage (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-applauds-house-passage-president-trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill" }, { "title": "Aderholt press release: first House passage (May 22, 2025)", "url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-aderholt-votes-pass-one-big-beautiful-bill-delivering-tax" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Defends ICE enforcement", "summary": "Called 2025 protests against ICE in Albertville “deeply concerning” and says ICE targets violent offenders.", "sources": [ { "title": "Aderholt statement on Albertville ICE protests (Jan 30, 2025)", "url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-robert-b-aderholt-statement-albertville-ice-protests" }, { "title": "1819 News: Aderholt on ICE protests", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/aderholt-condemns-anti-ice-protests-in-albertville-deeply-concerning" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Voted for 2027 defense bill", "summary": "Voted for the House’s 2027 defense authorization (H.R. 8800) in July 2026, citing the defense industrial base and pay, housing and child care for service members.", "sources": [ { "title": "Aderholt press release: 2027 defense bill (Jul 23, 2026)", "url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-votes-favor-fy27-national-defense-authorization-act-advancing" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 4", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al04/" }, { "title": "Aderholt press release: rural health care", "url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-aderholt-joins-hrsa-administrator-engels-rural-healthcare" }, { "title": "Aderholt press release: final House passage (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-applauds-house-passage-president-trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill" }, { "title": "Aderholt press release: first House passage (May 22, 2025)", "url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-aderholt-votes-pass-one-big-beautiful-bill-delivering-tax" }, { "title": "Aderholt statement on Albertville ICE protests (Jan 30, 2025)", "url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-robert-b-aderholt-statement-albertville-ice-protests" }, { "title": "1819 News: Aderholt on ICE protests", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/aderholt-condemns-anti-ice-protests-in-albertville-deeply-concerning" }, { "title": "Aderholt press release: 2027 defense bill (Jul 23, 2026)", "url": "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-votes-favor-fy27-national-defense-authorization-act-advancing" } ] }, { "name": "Amanda Pusczek", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Registered nurse", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Expand Medicaid", "summary": "Supports Medicaid expansion and more funding for rural hospitals.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 4", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al04/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "$15 wage and unions", "summary": "Backs a $15 federal minimum wage and union rights.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 4", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al04/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "abortion" ], "headline": "Supports abortion rights", "summary": "Supports federal protections for abortion rights.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 4", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al04/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Questions new ICE spending", "summary": "Argues that new ICE funding shortchanges Alabama priorities such as rural health care.", "sources": [ { "title": "Pusczek op-ed: The Price of Priorities (Jan 2026)", "url": "https://alpolitics.com/the-price-of-priorities/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Fully fund the VA", "summary": "Supports fully funding the VA, expanding VA health care in north Alabama, and more mental-health and job services for veterans.", "sources": [ { "title": "Ballotpedia: Pusczek candidate survey", "url": "https://ballotpedia.org/Amanda_Pusczek" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 4", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al04/" }, { "title": "Pusczek op-ed: The Price of Priorities (Jan 2026)", "url": "https://alpolitics.com/the-price-of-priorities/" }, { "title": "Ballotpedia: Pusczek candidate survey", "url": "https://ballotpedia.org/Amanda_Pusczek" } ] } ], "laws_mentioned": [ "H.R. 1 (2025 tax-and-spending law)", "Medicaid expansion", "H.R. 8800 (2027 defense authorization)" ] }, { "id": "us-house-al-5", "office": "U.S. House, District 5", "level": "federal", "what_it_does": "Your representative serves a two-year term. You vote only in your own district.", "status": "Incumbent running", "district": { "number": 5, "area": "North Alabama’s Tennessee Valley: Huntsville, Madison, Decatur and Athens" }, "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#al-5", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Immigration", "text": "Sneed supports legal status for long-resident undocumented workers; Strong backs President Trump’s deportation policies." }, { "label": "Redstone and Marshall", "text": "Sneed opposes the 2025 federal workforce cuts at Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center; Strong lists funding for both, and bringing U.S. Space Command to Huntsville, among his accomplishments." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": null, "note_sources": [], "candidates": [ { "name": "Andrew Sneed", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Huntsville small-business owner (mechanical contracting)", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "taxes", "energy", "economy" ], "headline": "Lower everyday costs", "summary": "Would expand affordable housing, repeal President Trump’s tariffs, and work to lower utility bills.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 5 race (Oct 12, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/12/in-north-alabama-congressional-race-a-democrat-pitches-affordability-and-political-reform/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Expand Medicaid eligibility", "summary": "Would make rural health care a priority and expand who qualifies for Medicaid.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 5 race (Oct 12, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/12/in-north-alabama-congressional-race-a-democrat-pitches-affordability-and-political-reform/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 5", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al05/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Reform Congress", "summary": "Pledges to support term limits, a congressional stock-trading ban, and an ethics code for the Supreme Court.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 5 race (Oct 12, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/12/in-north-alabama-congressional-race-a-democrat-pitches-affordability-and-political-reform/" }, { "title": "Axios Huntsville: Sneed town hall (Oct 8, 2026)", "url": "https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/10/08/andrew-sneed-reform-representation-at-town-hall" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Opposes Redstone, Marshall job cuts", "summary": "Opposes the 2025 federal workforce cuts at Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.", "sources": [ { "title": "Sneed op-ed: Why Strong is wrong (Oct 8, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/10/08/opinion-why-strong-is-wrong-the-case-for-andrew-sneed/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sneed interview (Jun 26, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/06/26/andrew-sneed-on-challenging-dale-strong-nobody-was-speaking-up/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Reform with accountability", "summary": "Supports legal status for long-resident undocumented workers, shorter visa waits, and holding ICE to the same accountability as other law enforcement.", "sources": [ { "title": "Sneed campaign: immigration", "url": "https://www.sneedforcongress.com/immigration" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 5 race (Oct 12, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/12/in-north-alabama-congressional-race-a-democrat-pitches-affordability-and-political-reform/" }, { "title": "Axios Huntsville: Sneed town hall (Oct 8, 2026)", "url": "https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/10/08/andrew-sneed-reform-representation-at-town-hall" }, { "title": "Sneed op-ed: Why Strong is wrong (Oct 8, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/10/08/opinion-why-strong-is-wrong-the-case-for-andrew-sneed/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sneed interview (Jun 26, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/06/26/andrew-sneed-on-challenging-dale-strong-nobody-was-speaking-up/" }, { "title": "Sneed campaign: immigration", "url": "https://www.sneedforcongress.com/immigration" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 5", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al05/" } ] }, { "name": "Dale Strong", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "background": "U.S. representative since 2023; former Madison County Commission chairman", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "defense", "economy" ], "headline": "Space and defense in Huntsville", "summary": "Lists bringing U.S. Space Command headquarters to Huntsville and funding for Redstone Arsenal and Marshall Space Flight Center as top accomplishments.", "sources": [ { "title": "256 Today: Strong on 2025 accomplishments", "url": "https://256today.com/rep-dale-strong-promises-made-promises-kept-in-2025/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Support Trump’s agenda", "summary": "Backs President Trump’s agenda, including his deportation policies.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 5", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al05/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "health" ], "headline": "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law", "summary": "Voted for the 2025 federal tax-and-spending law (H.R. 1), which extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending.", "sources": [ { "title": "Strong press release: budget law vote (May 22, 2025)", "url": "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-statement-house-passage-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-advancing-president" }, { "title": "House roll call 190 (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190" } ] }, { "topics": [ "energy" ], "headline": "New nuclear at Bellefonte", "summary": "Supports TVA talks to build new reactors at the Bellefonte site, calling it a “vital asset” for meeting growing power demand.", "sources": [ { "title": "Rocket City Now: Strong on Bellefonte (2026)", "url": "https://www.rocketcitynow.com/article/news/local/rep-dale-strong-supports-talks-to-revive-bellefonte-with-new-nuclear-reactors/525-4f01b8a8-919b-4aef-be7d-7df7757f01b3" }, { "title": "1819 News: Strong on Bellefonte", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/vital-asset-for-increased-power-generation-demand-dale-strong-doubles-down-on-support-for-nuclear-development-at-bellefonte-plant" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Proof of citizenship to vote", "summary": "Supports requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote: voted for the SAVE Act in 2024 and the SAVE America Act in 2026.", "sources": [ { "title": "Strong press release: SAVE Act vote (Sep 18, 2024)", "url": "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-votes-safeguard-american-elections" }, { "title": "House roll call 69: SAVE America Act (Feb 11, 2026)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2026069" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 5", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al05/" }, { "title": "256 Today: Strong on 2025 accomplishments", "url": "https://256today.com/rep-dale-strong-promises-made-promises-kept-in-2025/" }, { "title": "Strong press release: budget law vote (May 22, 2025)", "url": "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-statement-house-passage-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-advancing-president" }, { "title": "Rocket City Now: Strong on Bellefonte (2026)", "url": "https://www.rocketcitynow.com/article/news/local/rep-dale-strong-supports-talks-to-revive-bellefonte-with-new-nuclear-reactors/525-4f01b8a8-919b-4aef-be7d-7df7757f01b3" }, { "title": "1819 News: Strong on Bellefonte", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/vital-asset-for-increased-power-generation-demand-dale-strong-doubles-down-on-support-for-nuclear-development-at-bellefonte-plant" }, { "title": "Strong press release: SAVE Act vote (Sep 18, 2024)", "url": "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-votes-safeguard-american-elections" }, { "title": "House roll call 190 (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190" }, { "title": "House roll call 69: SAVE America Act (Feb 11, 2026)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2026069" } ] } ], "laws_mentioned": [ "H.R. 1 (2025 tax-and-spending law)", "SAVE America Act", "SAVE Act", "Medicaid expansion" ] }, { "id": "us-house-al-6", "office": "U.S. House, District 6", "level": "federal", "what_it_does": "Your representative serves a two-year term. You vote only in your own district.", "status": "Incumbent running", "district": { "number": 6, "area": "Birmingham’s southern suburbs, including Shelby County, and central Alabama" }, "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#al-6", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Health care", "text": "Mercer lists expanding access to affordable health care and protecting Social Security and Medicare among his priorities; Palmer has called for repealing the Affordable Care Act." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": null, "note_sources": [], "candidates": [ { "name": "Maurice Mercer", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "background": "Former Pelham City Council president", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Raise the minimum wage", "summary": "Supports raising the federal minimum wage above $7.25 an hour.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 6", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al06/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Social Security and Medicare", "summary": "Lists lower costs, health care, and protecting Social Security and Medicare among his priorities.", "sources": [ { "title": "Coosa County News: Mercer campaign (Jul 31, 2026)", "url": "https://www.thecoosacountynews.com/2026/07/31/maurice-mercer-for-congress-community-first-country-forward/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "12 town halls", "summary": "Pledges to hold 12 town halls in his first two-year term.", "sources": [ { "title": "Coosa County News: Mercer campaign (Jul 31, 2026)", "url": "https://www.thecoosacountynews.com/2026/07/31/maurice-mercer-for-congress-community-first-country-forward/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Veterans and first responders", "summary": "Pledges to stand with veterans and first responders.", "sources": [ { "title": "Coosa County News: Mercer campaign (Jul 31, 2026)", "url": "https://www.thecoosacountynews.com/2026/07/31/maurice-mercer-for-congress-community-first-country-forward/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "education", "economy" ], "headline": "Schools, jobs and small business", "summary": "Lists strengthening public education and workforce development, and supporting small businesses, among his priorities.", "sources": [ { "title": "Coosa County News: Mercer campaign (Jul 31, 2026)", "url": "https://www.thecoosacountynews.com/2026/07/31/maurice-mercer-for-congress-community-first-country-forward/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 6", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al06/" }, { "title": "Coosa County News: Mercer campaign (Jul 31, 2026)", "url": "https://www.thecoosacountynews.com/2026/07/31/maurice-mercer-for-congress-community-first-country-forward/" } ] }, { "name": "Gary Palmer", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "background": "U.S. representative since 2015", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "health" ], "headline": "Repeal the Affordable Care Act", "summary": "Has called for repealing the ACA.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 6", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al06/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Opposes “amnesty”", "summary": "Opposed what he called “amnesty” for immigrants in the country illegally in 2015, and frames 2026 as a choice between open and secure borders.", "sources": [ { "title": "Palmer press release on executive amnesty", "url": "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-applauds-court-decision-blocking-executive-amnesty" }, { "title": "1819 News: Palmer on the midterms", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/u-s-rep-palmer-gop-capable-of-keeping-majorities-in-midterms-choice-is-between-open-borders-and-secure-borders" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Fewer rules, critical minerals", "summary": "Favors fewer business regulations, and has sponsored legislation to recover critical minerals.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 6", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al06/" }, { "title": "Palmer: energy and environment issues", "url": "https://palmer.house.gov/issues/energy-and-environment" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Voted for SAVE America Act", "summary": "Voted for the House-passed SAVE America Act in 2026, calling its photo ID requirement “common sense, not voter suppression.”", "sources": [ { "title": "Palmer: SAVE America Act coverage (Feb 2026)", "url": "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/us-house-passes-save-america-act-easy-solution-ensuring-only-american" }, { "title": "Palmer campaign: issues", "url": "https://palmerforalabama.com/issues/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "health" ], "headline": "Voted for 2025 tax-and-spending law", "summary": "Voted for the 2025 federal tax-and-spending law (H.R. 1), which extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending.", "sources": [ { "title": "Palmer press release: tax law vote (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-votes-cut-taxes-american-families" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Opposed Iran war-powers limit", "summary": "Voted against a March 2026 resolution to limit U.S. military action against Iran, saying President Trump “is doing the right thing.”", "sources": [ { "title": "Palmer press release: Iran war powers (Mar 5, 2026)", "url": "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-supports-trumps-military-action-iran-votes-against-war-powers" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 6", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al06/" }, { "title": "Palmer: energy and environment issues", "url": "https://palmer.house.gov/issues/energy-and-environment" }, { "title": "Palmer press release on executive amnesty", "url": "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-applauds-court-decision-blocking-executive-amnesty" }, { "title": "1819 News: Palmer on the midterms", "url": "https://1819news.com/news/item/u-s-rep-palmer-gop-capable-of-keeping-majorities-in-midterms-choice-is-between-open-borders-and-secure-borders" }, { "title": "Palmer: SAVE America Act coverage (Feb 2026)", "url": "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/us-house-passes-save-america-act-easy-solution-ensuring-only-american" }, { "title": "Palmer campaign: issues", "url": "https://palmerforalabama.com/issues/" }, { "title": "Palmer press release: tax law vote (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-votes-cut-taxes-american-families" }, { "title": "Palmer press release: Iran war powers (Mar 5, 2026)", "url": "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-supports-trumps-military-action-iran-votes-against-war-powers" } ] } ], "laws_mentioned": [ "H.R. 1 (2025 tax-and-spending law)", "SAVE America Act", "Affordable Care Act" ] }, { "id": "us-house-al-7", "office": "U.S. House, District 7", "level": "federal", "what_it_does": "Your representative serves a two-year term. You vote only in your own district.", "status": "Incumbent running", "district": { "number": 7, "area": "The Black Belt and west Alabama, plus parts of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa" }, "url": "https://alabamaballotguide.org/#al-7", "key_differences": [ { "label": "Costs", "text": "Akin favors “responsible federal spending” and says the answer “isn’t always another government program”; Sewell focuses on gas, housing and grocery costs and has sponsored legislation to stop President Trump’s tariffs." }, { "label": "Where they agree", "text": "Both support help for rural hospitals." } ], "debates": "None found in news coverage as of Oct. 20.", "notes": null, "note_sources": [], "candidates": [ { "name": "Ammie Akin", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "background": "Former educator and nonprofit founder; first-time candidate", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Quality of life", "summary": "Says affordability, crime and schools make quality of life the district’s biggest issue.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 7 race (Oct 20, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/20/in-7th-congressional-district-candidates-focus-on-affordability-issues/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "Responsible spending", "summary": "Favors “responsible federal spending and less unnecessary regulation,” saying the answer “isn’t always another government program.”", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 7 race (Oct 20, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/20/in-7th-congressional-district-candidates-focus-on-affordability-issues/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 7", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al07/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "education" ], "headline": "Expand educational opportunity", "summary": "Wants to expand educational opportunity in the district.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 7", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al07/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Cut wasteful spending", "summary": "Pledges to fight wasteful federal spending and red tape, and says she will donate her full congressional salary to the district.", "sources": [ { "title": "Akin campaign site", "url": "https://www.akinforcongress.com/" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Akin salary pledge", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/ammie-akin-promises-to-donate-100-of-congressional-salary-to-district-7/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Resources for military, police", "summary": "Pledges to give the military, law enforcement and first responders “the resources they need.”", "sources": [ { "title": "Akin campaign site", "url": "https://www.akinforcongress.com/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "health", "rural" ], "headline": "Rural health care", "summary": "Wants to strengthen rural health care, including helping rural hospitals stay open, and to protect Medicare and Social Security.", "sources": [ { "title": "Akin campaign site", "url": "https://www.akinforcongress.com/" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Akin salary pledge", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/ammie-akin-promises-to-donate-100-of-congressional-salary-to-district-7/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Secure borders, legal immigration", "summary": "Supports secure borders and “a workable legal immigration system.”", "sources": [ { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Akin salary pledge", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/ammie-akin-promises-to-donate-100-of-congressional-salary-to-district-7/" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 7 race (Oct 20, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/20/in-7th-congressional-district-candidates-focus-on-affordability-issues/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 7", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al07/" }, { "title": "Akin campaign site", "url": "https://www.akinforcongress.com/" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Akin salary pledge", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/ammie-akin-promises-to-donate-100-of-congressional-salary-to-district-7/" } ] }, { "name": "Terri Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": true, "background": "U.S. representative since 2011; member of the Ways and Means Committee", "positions": [ { "topics": [ "taxes" ], "headline": "Lower costs, stop tariffs", "summary": "Focuses on gas, housing and grocery costs, and has sponsored legislation to stop President Trump’s tariffs.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 7 race (Oct 20, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/20/in-7th-congressional-district-candidates-focus-on-affordability-issues/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "government" ], "headline": "Voting rights", "summary": "Lead sponsor of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and pledges to reintroduce it.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 7 race (Oct 20, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/20/in-7th-congressional-district-candidates-focus-on-affordability-issues/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 7", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al07/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "health", "rural" ], "headline": "Coverage and rural hospitals", "summary": "Supports help for people in the health coverage gap and money for rural hospitals, and pledges to reverse the Medicaid reductions in the 2025 federal tax-and-spending law.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 7 race (Oct 20, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/20/in-7th-congressional-district-candidates-focus-on-affordability-issues/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "economy" ], "headline": "Black Belt infrastructure", "summary": "Announced a federal grant in October 2026 to upgrade Black Belt short-line railroads, saying it will bring jobs.", "sources": [ { "title": "Sewell press release: Black Belt rail grant (Oct 2026)", "url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/10/rep-sewell-announces-27-million-grant-to-modernize-rural-rail-infrastructure-in-the-black-belt" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: rail grant (Oct 19, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/10/19/sewell-announces-27m-grant-to-modernize-rural-rail-infrastructure-in-the-black-belt/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "education" ], "headline": "Keep the Education Department", "summary": "Opposed the 2025 push to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sewell on Education Department (Mar 21, 2025)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2025/03/21/rep-sewell-pans-president-trumps-attempt-to-eliminate-the-u-s-department-of-education/" } ] }, { "topics": [ "immigration" ], "headline": "Laken Riley Act; ICE reform", "summary": "Voted for the Laken Riley Act in January 2025, which requires detention of immigrants in the country illegally who are charged with theft-related or violent crimes; says ICE needs serious reform.", "sources": [ { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Laken Riley Act vote (Jan 2025)", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/alabama-lawmakers-including-figures-and-sewell-vote-to-pass-britts-criminal-immigrant-crackdown-bill/" }, { "title": "Sewell statement on homeland security funding (Mar 26, 2026)", "url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/3/rep-sewell-statement-on-refusal-of-congressional-republicans-to-fund-tsa-and-other-dhs-agencies" }, { "title": "House roll call 23 (Jan 22, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025023" } ] }, { "topics": [ "defense" ], "headline": "Veterans’ care", "summary": "Cites her support for the 2022 PACT Act, which expanded VA care for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins.", "sources": [ { "title": "Sewell: veterans issues", "url": "https://sewell.house.gov/veterans-issues" } ] }, { "topics": [ "taxes", "health" ], "headline": "Voted against 2025 tax-and-spending law", "summary": "Voted against the 2025 federal tax-and-spending law (H.R. 1), which extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending.", "sources": [ { "title": "House roll call 190 (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190" } ] } ], "all_sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: District 7 race (Oct 20, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/20/in-7th-congressional-district-candidates-focus-on-affordability-issues/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector voter guide: District 7", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/al07/" }, { "title": "Sewell press release: Black Belt rail grant (Oct 2026)", "url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/10/rep-sewell-announces-27-million-grant-to-modernize-rural-rail-infrastructure-in-the-black-belt" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: rail grant (Oct 19, 2026)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2026/10/19/sewell-announces-27m-grant-to-modernize-rural-rail-infrastructure-in-the-black-belt/" }, { "title": "Alabama Political Reporter: Sewell on Education Department (Mar 21, 2025)", "url": "https://www.alreporter.com/2025/03/21/rep-sewell-pans-president-trumps-attempt-to-eliminate-the-u-s-department-of-education/" }, { "title": "Yellowhammer News: Laken Riley Act vote (Jan 2025)", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/alabama-lawmakers-including-figures-and-sewell-vote-to-pass-britts-criminal-immigrant-crackdown-bill/" }, { "title": "Sewell statement on homeland security funding (Mar 26, 2026)", "url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/3/rep-sewell-statement-on-refusal-of-congressional-republicans-to-fund-tsa-and-other-dhs-agencies" }, { "title": "Sewell: veterans issues", "url": "https://sewell.house.gov/veterans-issues" }, { "title": "House roll call 190 (Jul 3, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190" }, { "title": "House roll call 23 (Jan 22, 2025)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025023" } ] } ], "laws_mentioned": [ "H.R. 1 (2025 tax-and-spending law)", "Laken Riley Act", "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act", "PACT Act" ] } ], "judicial_and_board_races": [ { "id": "courts", "office": "Appeals courts", "what_it_does": "Alabama elects its appellate judges by party. Judges generally do not campaign on policy positions. Five of the six seats this year have one candidate.", "seats": [ { "seat": "Supreme Court, Place 7", "detail": "Highest state court", "candidates": [ { "name": "Brad Mendheim", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "note": "Unopposed" } ] }, { "seat": "Supreme Court, Place 8", "detail": "Highest state court", "candidates": [ { "name": "AshLeigh Meyer Dunham", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "note": "Jefferson County juvenile court referee and family-law attorney" }, { "name": "Greg Shaw", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "note": "Associate justice since 2009" } ] }, { "seat": "Court of Civil Appeals, Place 4", "detail": "Hears civil and family appeals", "candidates": [ { "name": "Ben Bowden", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "note": "Unopposed" } ] }, { "seat": "Court of Civil Appeals, Place 5", "detail": "Hears civil and family appeals", "candidates": [ { "name": "Matt Fridy", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "note": "Unopposed" } ] }, { "seat": "Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4", "detail": "Hears criminal appeals", "candidates": [ { "name": "Mary Windom", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "note": "Unopposed" } ] }, { "seat": "Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5", "detail": "Hears criminal appeals · Open seat", "candidates": [ { "name": "Riggs Walker", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "note": "Assistant attorney general; unopposed" } ] } ], "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Supreme Court Place 8", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/voter-guides/contests/alsc08/" }, { "title": "Ballotpedia: 2026 appeals court elections", "url": "https://ballotpedia.org/Alabama_intermediate_appellate_court_elections,_2026" }, { "title": "Alabama SoS: Mobile County sample ballot", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/sample-ballots/2026/gen/Mobile-Sample.pdf" } ] }, { "id": "school-board", "office": "State Board of Education", "what_it_does": "Sets statewide school policy and standards and hires the state superintendent. Only four of the eight districts vote this year; your sample ballot shows whether yours does.", "seats": [ { "seat": "District 2", "detail": "East and southeast Alabama, including Lee County and the Wiregrass", "candidates": [ { "name": "Jamie McCurry", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "note": null }, { "name": "Tracie West", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": true, "note": null } ] }, { "seat": "District 4", "detail": "Birmingham area", "candidates": [ { "name": "Yvette Richardson", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": true, "note": "Unopposed" } ] }, { "seat": "District 6", "detail": "North-central and northeast Alabama", "candidates": [ { "name": "Cathi Bradford", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "note": null }, { "name": "Angela Morgan", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "note": null } ] }, { "seat": "District 8", "detail": "Huntsville and northeast Alabama: Limestone, Madison, Jackson and DeKalb counties", "candidates": [ { "name": "Shatika Armstrong", "party": "Democrat", "incumbent": false, "note": null }, { "name": "Emily Jones", "party": "Republican", "incumbent": false, "note": null } ] } ], "sources": [ { "title": "Ballotpedia: 2026 State Board of Education", "url": "https://ballotpedia.org/Alabama_State_Board_of_Education_election,_2026" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: board primaries (May 19, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/05/19/voters-get-competitive-state-board-of-education-primaries-in-northern-and-eastern-alabama/" }, { "title": "Alabama Daily News: District 8 runoff", "url": "https://aldailynews.com/emily-jones-wins-district-8-alabama-board-of-education-republican-runoff/" } ] } ], "laws": [ { "id": "choose-act", "name": "CHOOSE Act", "kind": "Alabama law, 2024", "summary": "Alabama’s 2024 law that pays for education savings accounts families can use for private-school or homeschool costs.", "description": "The Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education Act. It pays for education savings accounts: state money families can spend on private-school tuition or approved homeschool costs. Accounts are up to $7,000 per private-school student and $2,000 per homeschooled student (up to $4,000 per family). Through 2026–27, new applicants need household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Starting in 2027–28, any Alabama family can apply, with the number of accounts limited by what the Legislature budgets.", "sources": [ { "title": "Yellowhammer News: 2026–27 CHOOSE Act timeline and eligibility", "url": "https://yellowhammernews.com/alabama-announces-2026-2027-choose-act-timeline-eligibility/" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: CHOOSE Act eligibility and funding (Mar 2, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/03/02/alabamas-school-voucher-program-might-go-universal-despite-tight-budgets/" } ], "mentioned_in": [ "Governor", "Lieutenant Governor" ] }, { "id": "hr1-2025", "name": "H.R. 1 (2025 tax-and-spending law)", "kind": "Federal law, 2025", "summary": "The 2025 federal tax-and-spending law that extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending.", "description": "The federal budget law signed July 4, 2025 (Public Law 119-21), introduced as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Among many provisions, it extended the 2017 tax cuts and reduced projected federal Medicaid spending.", "sources": [ { "title": "Congress.gov: H.R. 1 (119th Congress)", "url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1" } ], "mentioned_in": [ "Governor", "U.S. Senate", "U.S. House, District 2", "U.S. House, District 3", "U.S. House, District 4", "U.S. House, District 5", "U.S. House, District 6", "U.S. House, District 7" ] }, { "id": "laken-riley-act", "name": "Laken Riley Act", "kind": "Federal law, 2025", "summary": "A 2025 federal law requiring detention of immigrants in the country illegally who are charged with theft-related or violent crimes.", "description": "Signed Jan. 29, 2025. Requires immigration authorities to detain people in the country illegally who are charged with, arrested for or convicted of burglary, theft, shoplifting, assaulting a police officer, or a crime that kills or seriously injures someone. It also lets states sue the federal government over certain immigration decisions. Named for Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student killed in 2024.", "sources": [ { "title": "Congress.gov: S. 5, Laken Riley Act", "url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5" } ], "mentioned_in": [ "U.S. House, District 2", "U.S. House, District 7" ] }, { "id": "save-america-act", "name": "SAVE America Act", "kind": "Proposed federal law, 2026", "summary": "A 2026 bill, not law, requiring proof of citizenship to register and a photo ID to vote in federal elections.", "description": "Would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, to register to vote, and a photo ID to vote in federal elections, including a copy of the ID with absentee ballots. States would also have to check their voter lists against a federal citizenship database. The House passed it 218–213 on Feb. 11, 2026. It has not become law.", "sources": [ { "title": "Congressional Research Service: SAVE America Act", "url": "https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12902" } ], "mentioned_in": [ "U.S. House, District 5", "U.S. House, District 6" ] }, { "id": "save-act", "name": "SAVE Act", "kind": "Proposed federal law, 2024", "summary": "A 2024 bill, not law, that would have required proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.", "description": "The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. Would have required documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote in federal elections, and required states to check voter lists for noncitizens. The House passed it 221–198 in July 2024. It did not become law. The SAVE America Act is the 2026 version.", "sources": [ { "title": "Congress.gov: H.R. 8281 (118th Congress)", "url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8281" } ], "mentioned_in": [ "U.S. House, District 5" ] }, { "id": "lewis-vraa", "name": "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act", "kind": "Proposed federal law", "summary": "A bill, not law, that would require places with recent voting-rights violations to get federal approval before changing voting rules.", "description": "Would bring back federal “preclearance”: states and localities with recent records of voting-rights violations would need approval from the Justice Department or a federal court before changing voting rules. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling in Shelby County v. Holder, a case from Shelby County, Alabama, ended the old system for deciding which places needed approval. Named for the late Rep. John Lewis, an Alabama native. It has not become law.", "sources": [ { "title": "Congress.gov: H.R. 14 (119th Congress)", "url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/14" } ], "mentioned_in": [ "U.S. House, District 7" ] }, { "id": "voting-rights-act", "name": "Voting Rights Act", "kind": "Federal law, 1965", "summary": "The 1965 federal law that bans racial discrimination in voting. A 2026 Supreme Court ruling narrowed challenges under it.", "description": "The federal law that bans racial discrimination in voting. Its Section 2 is used to challenge election rules and district maps in court. In Louisiana v. Callais (April 29, 2026), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that a map violates Section 2 only when the evidence supports “a strong inference that the State intentionally drew its districts to afford minority voters less opportunity because of their race.”", "sources": [ { "title": "Congressional Research Service: Louisiana v. Callais (May 2026)", "url": "https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/LSB11431" } ], "mentioned_in": [ "U.S. Senate" ] }, { "id": "affordable-care-act", "name": "Affordable Care Act", "kind": "Federal law, 2010", "summary": "The 2010 federal health law, often called Obamacare, behind HealthCare.gov plans and Medicaid expansion.", "description": "The federal health law often called Obamacare. It created the HealthCare.gov marketplaces, with tax credits that lower premiums based on income, and lets states expand Medicaid. Larger premium tax credits first added in 2021 expired at the end of 2025.", "sources": [ { "title": "Congressional Research Service: enhanced premium tax credit FAQ", "url": "https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48290" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector: Alabama marketplace enrollment after the credits expired (Aug 19, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/08/19/alabama-obamacare-enrollment-drops-23-after-tax-credits-expire/" } ], "mentioned_in": [ "U.S. House, District 1", "U.S. House, District 6" ] }, { "id": "medicaid-expansion", "name": "Medicaid expansion", "kind": "Part of the Affordable Care Act", "summary": "The Affordable Care Act’s option to cover more low-income adults through Medicaid. Alabama has not adopted it.", "description": "The Affordable Care Act’s option for states to extend Medicaid to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Alabama is one of 10 states that have not expanded it.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Reflector: the 10 states that didn’t expand Medicaid (Jul 22, 2024)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2024/07/22/in-the-10-states-that-didnt-expand-medicaid-1-6m-cant-afford-health-insurance/" } ], "mentioned_in": [ "Governor", "Lieutenant Governor", "U.S. Senate", "U.S. House, District 1", "U.S. House, District 4", "U.S. House, District 5" ] }, { "id": "pact-act", "name": "PACT Act", "kind": "Federal law, 2022", "summary": "A 2022 federal law that expanded VA care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.", "description": "Signed Aug. 10, 2022. Expanded VA health care and disability benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances, and added more than 20 conditions the VA presumes were caused by that exposure.", "sources": [ { "title": "Congress.gov: H.R. 3967 (117th Congress)", "url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967" } ], "mentioned_in": [ "U.S. House, District 7" ] }, { "id": "ndaa-2027", "name": "H.R. 8800 (2027 defense authorization)", "kind": "Proposed federal law, 2026", "summary": "The yearly defense policy and spending bill for 2027. The House passed it in July 2026.", "description": "The National Defense Authorization Act for 2027: the yearly bill that sets defense policy and authorizes military spending, including pay and benefits for service members. The House passed it 216–212 on July 22, 2026.", "sources": [ { "title": "Congress.gov: H.R. 8800 (119th Congress)", "url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8800" }, { "title": "U.S. House: roll call 278 on H.R. 8800 (Jul 22, 2026)", "url": "https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2026278" } ], "mentioned_in": [ "U.S. House, District 2", "U.S. House, District 4" ] } ], "amendments": [ { "number": "Statewide Amendment 1", "title": "Filling a lieutenant governor vacancy", "summary": "Today, if the lieutenant governor’s office becomes vacant, it stays empty until the next regular election for the office. This amendment would fill a vacancy that occurs in the first two years of a term by election, if it occurs more than 60 days before the next general election. It also lets the Legislature set pay for the lieutenant governor and legislative officers through a resolution passed by both chambers, and requires an elected officer of each chamber to approve legislators’ travel spending.", "legislative_vote": "Passed unanimously in both chambers.", "supporters_say": "Supporters say voters should fill a vacancy that comes early in a term.", "opponents_say": "No organized opposition was found.", "yes_means": "A vacancy early in the term is filled by election, and the pay and travel changes take effect.", "no_means": "A vacancy stays open until the next regular election, and current pay and travel rules stay.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Secretary of State: statewide ballot measures", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/ballot-measures/statewide" }, { "title": "Ballotpedia News (Apr 6, 2026)", "url": "https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/04/06/alabama-voters-to-decide-constitutional-amendment-requiring-elections-to-fill-lieutenant-governor-vacancies/" }, { "title": "WBHM: the four amendments (Oct 19, 2026)", "url": "https://www.wbhm.org/local-news/2026-10-19/alabama-has-4-constitutional-amendments-on-the-ballot-in-november-heres-what-theyre-about" } ] }, { "number": "Statewide Amendment 2", "title": "Merging neighboring county school systems", "summary": "Creates a voluntary process for two or more neighboring county school systems to merge; city systems are not covered. Each board must agree, and the State Board of Education must first study and publish the effects. If 25% of voters in an affected system sign a protest, the merger goes to a public vote and needs a majority in each county and an overall majority across the affected counties. No system would be merged automatically.", "legislative_vote": "Passed both chambers with nearly unanimous support.", "supporters_say": "Sponsor Rep. Terri Collins says merged systems could combine administration and “put more money back in the classroom.”", "opponents_say": "The League of Women Voters of Alabama opposes it, saying the 25% threshold to force a public vote is too high. The Alabama Association of School Boards is neutral.", "yes_means": "A voluntary merger process is created, with a state study and a possible local vote.", "no_means": "No new merger process is added to the constitution.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Secretary of State: statewide ballot measures", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/ballot-measures/statewide" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector (Oct 8, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/08/alabama-amendment-would-authorize-county-school-board-mergers/" }, { "title": "Ballotpedia News (Apr 10, 2026)", "url": "https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/04/10/alabama-voters-to-decide-constitutional-amendment-establishing-a-process-for-the-consolidation-of-county-school-boards-into-multi-county-boards/" } ] }, { "number": "Statewide Amendment 3", "title": "Daily Pledge and student-led prayer in public schools", "summary": "Requires local school boards to adopt policies for the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of each school day and to allow voluntary, student-led prayer. No student could be required to say the Pledge or pray. State law already requires a daily Pledge; this would add it to the constitution.", "legislative_vote": "Passed both chambers with nearly unanimous support.", "supporters_say": "Sponsor Rep. Reed Ingram says putting these policies in the constitution protects them from lawsuits.", "opponents_say": "The League of Women Voters of Alabama says it would impinge on people’s rights.", "yes_means": "The daily Pledge and voluntary student-led prayer policies are written into the constitution.", "no_means": "The constitution is not changed. Existing state law on the daily Pledge and voluntary student prayer stays in effect.", "sources": [ { "title": "Alabama Secretary of State: statewide ballot measures", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/ballot-measures/statewide" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector (Oct 12, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/10/12/alabama-voters-to-consider-pledge-of-allegiance-national-anthem-school-prayer/" }, { "title": "Ala. Code § 16-1-20.3 (voluntary prayer)", "url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-16/chapter-1/section-16-1-20-3/" } ] }, { "number": "Statewide Amendment 4", "title": "Weekly national anthem in public schools", "summary": "Requires every public K–12 school to play a recording of, or have a school group perform, the first verse of The Star-Spangled Banner at least once a week during the school day.", "legislative_vote": "Passed both chambers; it drew more no votes than any of the other three amendments.", "supporters_say": "Sponsor Sen. Gerald Allen says it will help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.", "opponents_say": "Sen. Vivian Davis Figures said the requirement should not be a constitutional amendment.", "yes_means": "A weekly national anthem requirement is added to the constitution.", "no_means": "The constitution is not changed, and there is no weekly anthem requirement.", "sources": [ { "title": "Fair Ballot Commission statement", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/FBCStatewideAmendment-4.pdf" }, { "title": "Alabama Reflector (Mar 4, 2026)", "url": "https://alabamareflector.com/2026/03/04/alabama-senate-passed-bill-would-require-weekly-national-anthem-broadcasts/" } ] } ], "how_to_vote": [ { "topic": "Check your registration", "text": "The deadline to register for this election was Monday, Oct. 19. Look up your registration, district, polling place, and sample ballot.", "links": [ { "title": "Look up your voter info", "url": "https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview" } ] }, { "topic": "Vote on Election Day", "text": "Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you’re in line by 7 p.m., you can vote. Alabama has no early voting. Voting before Election Day means voting absentee, which requires a qualifying reason.; Some polling places near the Georgia line may run on Eastern Time (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern). Check with your county if unsure.; Moved within your county since you registered? Go to the polling place for your new address, update your registration there, and vote a provisional ballot.; Moved to another county? Call your county Board of Registrars before Election Day.; Not on the poll list, or poll workers can’t confirm your registration? Ask for a provisional ballot. It counts once officials confirm you’re eligible..", "links": [ { "title": "Alabama Votes", "url": "https://www.alabamavotes.gov" }, { "title": "2026 Voter Guide (Secretary of State, PDF)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/election-2026/2026-VoterGuide.pdf" } ] }, { "topic": "Bring a photo ID", "text": "Alabama driver’s license or nondriver ID; Free Alabama Photo Voter ID card, available from your county Board of Registrars, even on Election Day; U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID; Other photo ID issued by Alabama, another state or the federal government, such as a pistol permit or a Department of Corrections release ID; Employee photo ID from the federal government or from an Alabama state, county or city government; Student or employee ID from an Alabama college, or from a public college in another state. Bring the physical card; digital IDs, including Alabama’s digital driver’s license, are no longer accepted. A license expired less than 60 days still counts.", "links": [ { "title": "Full list of valid IDs", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/photo-voter-id/valid-ids" }, { "title": "No digital IDs (Secretary of State)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/newsroom/secretary-state-wes-allen-reminds-voters-photo-id-requirements-ahead-upcoming-elections" } ] }, { "topic": "Voting absentee", "text": "You need a qualifying reason. The most common: You’ll be out of your county on Election Day, including at college or in the military; You have a required work shift of 10 hours or more that overlaps polling hours; You’re ill or have a disability that keeps you from the polls; You’re caring for a family member who is confined at home; You’re a poll worker at a polling place other than your own. Absentee deadlines for Nov. 3: By mail (it must arrive by), application (asking for a ballot): Tue, Oct 27; ballot (sending it back filled in): Noon Tue, Nov 3. By hand (at your county’s absentee office), application (asking for a ballot): Thu, Oct 29; ballot (sending it back filled in): Mon, Nov 2, before the office closes (5 p.m. at the latest). The mail and hand deadlines flip: a mailed application is due first, but a mailed ballot is due last. Step 1: Get the application for the county where you’re registered: download it, ask your county’s absentee election manager (usually the circuit clerk), or call 334‑242‑7210. Step 2: Return it yourself with a copy of your photo ID: by mail so it arrives by Tue, Oct 27, or in person by Thu, Oct 29. Some county offices let you apply and vote in one visit; call ahead. Step 3: Mark your ballot and sign the affidavit in front of a notary or two witnesses age 18 or older. Without this, your ballot can’t be counted. Step 4: Return the ballot yourself: by hand before your county’s absentee office closes on Mon, Nov 2 (5 p.m. at the latest), or by mail or a carrier such as FedEx or UPS so it arrives by noon Tue, Nov 3. Except in a medical emergency, no one else may return it for you. Time is short: the Secretary of State advises mailing at least two weeks before each deadline, so applying in person by Thu, Oct 29 is the safer route. College students: apply to the county where you’re registered, and use the form’s mailing-address line to have the ballot sent where you get mail. Had a medical emergency, or an unexpected work trip out of your county, after the deadline? You may qualify for an emergency absentee ballot. Ask your county’s absentee election manager right away: work-trip applications close at 5 p.m. Mon, Nov 2, and medical-emergency ballots are due by noon Tue, Nov 3. Military and overseas voters apply by the same dates, but their ballots count if postmarked by Nov 3 and received by noon Tue, Nov 10.", "deadlines": { "columns": [ "Application (asking for a ballot)", "Ballot (sending it back filled in)" ], "rows": [ { "method": "By mail (it must arrive by)", "application": "Tue, Oct 27", "ballot": "Noon Tue, Nov 3" }, { "method": "By hand (at your county’s absentee office)", "application": "Thu, Oct 29", "ballot": "Mon, Nov 2, before the office closes (5 p.m. at the latest)" } ] }, "links": [ { "title": "Application forms by county", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/absentee-ballot-application-by-county" }, { "title": "Absentee voting rules", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/absentee-voting" }, { "title": "2026 deadlines", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/newsroom/secretary-state-wes-allen-reminds-alabamians-november-3-general-election-absentee" }, { "title": "Emergency absentee law (Ala. Code § 17-11-3)", "url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-17/chapter-11/section-17-11-3/" }, { "title": "Military and overseas voters", "url": "https://www.fvap.gov/alabama" } ] }, { "topic": "If you forget your ID", "text": "Two poll workers who know you can sign a sworn statement identifying you, and you can vote a regular ballot. Otherwise, you can vote a provisional ballot, which counts once officials confirm you’re eligible; to have it counted, bring a valid photo ID to your county Board of Registrars by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.", "links": [ { "title": "Photo ID law", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/photo-voter-id/law-enacted" } ] }, { "topic": "Questions", "text": "Call the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at 334‑242‑7210 (toll-free 1‑800‑274‑8683), or your county Board of Registrars.", "links": [] } ], "spanish_essentials": { "title": "Lo esencial en español", "intro": "Las fechas y reglas para votar el 3 de noviembre de 2026 en Alabama. Las descripciones de los candidatos están solo en inglés.", "items": [ { "topic": "Día de las elecciones", "text": "Martes 3 de noviembre, de 7 a.m. a 7 p.m. Si está en la fila a las 7 p.m., puede votar. Alabama no tiene votación anticipada." }, { "topic": "Inscripción", "text": "El plazo para inscribirse para esta elección venció el lunes 19 de octubre. Verifique su inscripción, su lugar de votación y su boleta de muestra en el sitio oficial del estado (en inglés)." }, { "topic": "Identificación con foto", "text": "Lleve una identificación física con foto, como una licencia de conducir de Alabama, la identificación de votante con foto de Alabama (gratuita) o un pasaporte de EE. UU. No se aceptan identificaciones digitales. Si no tiene identificación, puede votar con una boleta provisional y presentar una identificación ante la Junta de Registradores de su condado antes de las 5 p.m. del viernes 6 de noviembre." }, { "topic": "Voto en ausencia", "text": "Necesita un motivo que lo califique, por ejemplo, estar fuera de su condado el día de las elecciones o tener una enfermedad o discapacidad. La solicitud debe llegar por correo a más tardar el martes 27 de octubre, o entregarse en persona a más tardar el jueves 29 de octubre. La boleta completada se entrega en mano antes de que cierre la oficina el lunes 2 de noviembre (a más tardar a las 5 p.m.), o por correo, y debe llegar antes del mediodía del martes 3 de noviembre." }, { "topic": "Preguntas", "text": "Llame a la División Electoral de la Secretaría de Estado al 334‑242‑7210 o, sin costo, al 1‑800‑274‑8683." } ], "links": [ { "title": "Consultar mi inscripción (en inglés)", "url": "https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview" }, { "title": "Vote411 en español", "url": "https://www.vote411.org/es/alabama" }, { "title": "vote.gov en español", "url": "https://vote.gov/es/" } ] }, "official_resources": [ { "title": "Check registration, district, polling place and sample ballot", "url": "https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview" }, { "title": "Alabama Votes", "url": "https://www.alabamavotes.gov" }, { "title": "2026 Voter Guide (Secretary of State, PDF)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/election-2026/2026-VoterGuide.pdf" }, { "title": "Application forms by county", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/absentee-ballot-application-by-county" }, { "title": "Absentee voting rules", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/absentee-voting" }, { "title": "2026 deadlines", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/newsroom/secretary-state-wes-allen-reminds-alabamians-november-3-general-election-absentee" }, { "title": "Emergency absentee law (Ala. Code § 17-11-3)", "url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-17/chapter-11/section-17-11-3/" }, { "title": "Military and overseas voters", "url": "https://www.fvap.gov/alabama" }, { "title": "Full list of valid IDs", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/photo-voter-id/valid-ids" }, { "title": "No digital IDs (Secretary of State)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/newsroom/secretary-state-wes-allen-reminds-voters-photo-id-requirements-ahead-upcoming-elections" }, { "title": "Photo ID law", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/photo-voter-id/law-enacted" }, { "title": "Spanish: Vote411 en español", "url": "https://www.vote411.org/es/alabama" }, { "title": "Spanish: vote.gov en español", "url": "https://vote.gov/es/" } ] }