Alabama’s 2026 Election Season Officially Begins as Candidates Start Qualifying for State and Federal Races

TWLN Staff Writer | The Weekly Ledger News | State News

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama officially entered the 2026 election season on Monday as qualifying opened for candidates seeking state and federal offices, marking a key milestone on the road to the May primaries and November general election.

Qualifying began at 8:30 a.m. Monday and will remain open through Friday, January 23, at 5 p.m. During this period, prospective candidates must formally file in order to appear on the ballot for Alabama’s state and federal offices.

Candidates may qualify online or in person with their respective parties.

Republican candidates may file online or at Alabama Republican Party headquarters in Hoover, while Democratic candidates may file online or at the Alabama Democratic Party headquarters in Montgomery.

To qualify for state office, candidates must meet eligibility requirements, submit a Declaration of Candidacy, pay a qualifying fee, file a Statement of Economic Interests with the Alabama Ethics Commission, and submit an Appointment of Principal Campaign Committee form to the Secretary of State’s Office. Judicial candidates must also file a separate financial disclosure with the Alabama Supreme Court clerk. Candidates for federal offices must meet party and Federal Election Commission filing requirements.

Among those immediately qualifying on opening day were several incumbents, including Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, who both announced reelection bids. Challenger filings also began, signaling competitive primary contests in multiple districts.

State Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said the qualifying period marks the point when campaigns begin taking formal shape and praised the number of prospective candidates seeking office. Democratic leaders likewise encouraged potential candidates to step forward, emphasizing contested races and voter choice across the ballot.

Democratic and Republican candidates around the state also used the first day of qualifying to outline priorities ranging from economic affordability and healthcare access to infrastructure, education, and job growth. Some candidates additionally called for debates and public forums as the campaign season progresses.

Offices on the 2026 Alabama ballot include governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, auditor, public service commissioner, members of the Alabama Legislature, state school board seats, and judicial positions at the circuit and district court levels.

The party primaries are scheduled for May 19, 2026, with the general election to follow on November 3, 2026.

The Weekly Ledger News will continue to provide updates as additional candidates qualify and campaign announcements are made throughout the state.

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