Alabama has two open top-of-ticket races in 2026, on the ballot November 3, 2026, an open U.S. Senate seat and an open governorship, an unusual double-open in a reliably Republican state. Here's a nonpartisan guide.
What's on the 2026 ballot in Alabama?
The U.S. Senate seat is open, with Republican incumbent Tommy Tuberville leaving it to run for governor. The governorship is also open, with Republican incumbent Kay Ivey term-limited. Below them: all of Alabama's U.S. House seats, state offices, legislative races, and local contests.
What makes Alabama's races matter?
Alabama votes reliably Republican statewide, so both open seats are most likely decided in Republican primaries, the real contests in a one-party-dominant state. Two open seats at once means crowded fields and no incumbency advantage, exactly the conditions where a strong texting program to a small, engaged primary electorate carries weight. The general elections then turn on turnout in a state with a large, and historically under-mobilized, electorate.
Why turnout decides Alabama
Because safe-seat primaries decide the officeholders, mobilizing a small primary electorate is close to the whole game, and a midterm lowers turnout further. Alabama's early and mail voting options shape the turnout window, and reaching a dispersed electorate across a large state is the practical challenge.
Frequently asked questions
What are the big races in Alabama in 2026?
Two open seats, an open U.S. Senate seat, Republican incumbent Tommy Tuberville is leaving it to run for governor, and an open governorship, Republican incumbent Kay Ivey is term-limited, plus all U.S. House seats and state offices.
Why do Alabama's races matter?
Two open top-of-ticket seats in a reliably Republican state mean crowded primaries decide the officeholders, with no incumbency advantage on either, an unusual double-open.
Why does turnout matter in Alabama?
Because safe-seat primaries decide the winners, so mobilizing a small primary electorate is close to the whole game, and midterm turnout runs lower still across a large, dispersed state.
This reflects the cycle as of the date above. Facts drawn from nonpartisan sources including Ballotpedia. Confirm voting details at Vote.org.
Keep reading: Texting strategy for a primary campaign and the 2026 midterms are a turnout election.