Known for Wearing Many Hats, Chad “Chig” Martin Throws His Hat in the Ring for Alabama Governor

Chad “Chig” Martin is one of the Democratic candidates in the 2026 Alabama gubernatorial race. (Photo courtesy of Chad “Chig” Martin)

TWLN Staff Writer | The Weekly Ledger News | State News

ENTERPRISE, Ala. — Known for the many literal and professional hats he wears as an Alabama entrepreneur, Chad “Chig” Martin is officially throwing his “hat” in the ring and has announced his candidacy as a Democrat in the 2026 Alabama gubernatorial race.

Martin, a lifelong resident of Enterprise, is the founder of Thunder Industrial Supply Company and Honeysuckle Hemp Company in Dothan — Alabama’s first hemp dispensary. He says his broad experience in business creation and management has shaped his campaign platform, which focuses on economic growth, improved health care access, infrastructure investment, and expanded educational opportunities for Alabamians.

Martin describes his campaign as a “Citizens Driven Movement,” which he says has already grown to about 28,000 followers across the state. He believes that his background as an entrepreneur and employer gives him a unique perspective on job creation, small business development, and strengthening Alabama’s workforce.

Health care access — especially in rural communities — is one of Martin’s key campaign priorities. He supports expanding Medicaid and establishing rural health hubs to increase preventive care, reduce emergency room overcrowding, and stabilize struggling medical facilities. He also advocates for the incorporation of certain natural and alternative medicinal options into health care and insurance systems, saying Alabamians deserve the freedom to choose their health care paths.

Martin is also proposing major infrastructure enhancements, including upgrades to roads, broadband connectivity, and wastewater systems. He says these investments would boost agricultural businesses, encourage agritourism, and support the recruitment of high-tech industries that reinvest in local communities. Particular attention, he says, would be given to Alabama’s Black Belt region, with industrial recruitment and workforce training opportunities tied to trade schools.

Education is another central pillar of Martin’s platform. He supports creating an education lottery to fund early childhood programs, scholarships, and career-technical training. His plan also includes four gaming entertainment zones throughout Alabama designed to provide jobs, generate state revenue, and expand tourism while offering both family-friendly and adult entertainment options.

Martin additionally stresses environmental protection initiatives, including stricter enforcement of dumping and pollution laws, increased funding for state regulatory agencies, wildlife monitoring partnerships, and a statewide affordable spay-and-neuter program to address animal overpopulation.

He plans to travel the state for in-person meet-and-greet events where voters can ask questions and share local concerns. Residents can also follow his campaign through Facebook and his website, where he regularly hosts live Q&A sessions.

The Alabama Statewide Primary Election will be held May 19, 2026. The Primary Runoff Election is June 16, 2026, and the General Election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

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