BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones, the last Democrat to hold statewide office in Alabama, officially launched his campaign for governor on Friday. He emphasized the need for voters to have a choice and for a leader willing to unite the state to tackle urgent issues. "With your help we can finish what we began. We can build the Alabama we’ve always deserved," Jones stated during a rally attended by several hundred supporters and featuring musician Jason Isbell.
Jones highlighted the pressing economic, health care, and educational challenges facing Alabamians that he believes remain unaddressed. His campaign claims its foundation has been laid on the eighth anniversary of his remarkable 2017 victory over Republican Roy Moore. "Alabama proved back then that it can defy simplified labels of red and blue," Jones remarked, urging voters to prioritize Alabama values over political affiliations.
This announcement sets the stage for a potential rematch with Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, who previously defeated Jones by a 20-point margin in the 2020 election and is also running for governor. Both candidates will first participate in party primaries ahead of the November election.
In an interview, Jones addressed the struggles many families in Alabama are facing, particularly concerning health care, high energy bills, and financial stability. "People are struggling," he stated, underscoring the urgency for responsive leadership.
During his rally, Jones outlined key elements of his gubernatorial agenda, advocating for the introduction of a state lottery and the expansion of Medicaid. He also criticized the allocation of federal pandemic relief funds to construct a $1.2 billion prison, which has exceeded its initial budget. It’s notable that Alabama has not elected a Democratic governor since Don Siegelman in 1998, and recent elections have hindered Democratic candidates from surpassing the 40% mark in statewide races.
Retired political science professor Jess Brown suggested that Jones faces a difficult campaign ahead, stating that his previous loss in 2020, despite being a well-funded incumbent, indicates a challenging path for the upcoming race in 2026. Brown remarked, "Doug Jones, who’s a very talented and bright man, is politically the walking dead." Despite these odds, Jones remains committed to running, motivated by the prospect of challenging Tuberville’s unopposed candidacy.
Jones also pointed to victories by Democrats in Georgia, Mississippi, and elsewhere as reasons to remain hopeful. He questioned Tuberville's effectiveness as a senator and remarked, "There are five years of embarrassing the state," referring to Tuberville's tenure since their previous election battle.
In response to Tuberville's residency claims, Jones asserted that Tuberville "doesn’t even live in Alabama" and challenged him to provide proof otherwise. Tuberville has maintained that Auburn is his home despite owning a property in Florida. His campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comments regarding Jones' criticisms.
Attendees at Jones' rally expressed enthusiasm for his return to politics. Supporter Angela Hornbuckle noted, "I’m just glad that there’s somebody sensible getting in the race. He proved that he could do it as a senator."
