Will Boyd Announces Candidacy for Alabama Governor in 2026

June 11, 2025 - HOOVER, AL - Rev. Will Boyd, a three-time Democratic candidate, has officially entered the race for Alabama governor, marking his latest bid for statewide office.

"As a servant leader, I believe we need leaders who embody core values which include equality, fairness, and freedom as I envision a day in the near future when every American has an equal opportunity to realize "The American Dream," said Rev. Boyd on his website.

Boyd, who previously ran for Congress in 2016, lieutenant governor in 2018, and U.S. Senate in 2022, sees his past campaigns as steppingstones toward greater recognition across the state.

"Since 2015, I have extensively traveled the State of Alabama explaining how I believe," Boyd said.

A Campaign Focused on the People

Boyd has emphasized that his campaign will prioritize health care, economic development, and community stability-issues he has observed firsthand while traveling across Alabama. He aims to offer voters an alternative to entrenched political interests, advocating for leadership that prioritizes the well-being of residents over personal gain.

Boyd promises to:

"Support our educators and our students by fully funding high quality pre-K while also investing in HBCUs, community, colleges, and trade schools.

Build a stronger economy from the ground up by growing the Alabama workforce as we improve support for small business owners and blue-collar workers.

Make healthcare affordable for all as we continue our fight against Covid-19, expand Medicaid, and support the lowering of prescription drug costs.

Fight for voter rights to ensure that every voter's voice is heard at the ballot box; and protect the environment by cleaning up of areas where there is water contamination, modernizing our waterways and ports, installing more electric charging stations, and embracing clean and renewable energy sources as we still rely on an "all-inclusive approach" to energy."

Challenges Ahead for Democrats

Historically, Democratic candidates have faced significant hurdles in Alabama. The party has won only one statewide race since 2008 and has not secured the governor's office since 1998. Boyd acknowledges these challenges but remains committed to presenting a vision that resonates with voters.

Boyd's Background and Vision

Originally from South Carolina, Boyd moved to Alabama in 2010. His academic credentials include degrees in mechanical engineering, business administration, religion, and psychology. He also serves as a pastor at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama.

The Most Rev. Dr. Will Boyd says that he is the presiding Bishop of Zion Ministries, pastor of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church-a 165-year-old church in Florence, Alabama, the chancellor of St. James The Elder University, and the patriarch of the Holy Catholic Church International.

Boyd is a former assistant adjunct professor and Dean of Student Success. He was the first African American elected to the office of City Councilman in Greenville, Illinois.

Despite entering the race, Boyd has yet to report any campaign fundraising, while Republican contender U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has already raised over $3 million. The financial disparity underscores the uphill battle Boyd faces in a deeply red state.

As the 2026 election approaches, Boyd's campaign will seek to engage voters across Alabama, offering a platform centered on community-driven solutions and progressive policies.

Boyd does not face an easy path toward the Governor's mansion. Chad "Chig" Martin – an Enterprise businessman who ran previously in 2022 – has also declared as a Democrat. Other Democratic candidates appear likely between now and when qualifying ends in February. If Boyd wins the Democratic primary, he still faces either Ken McFeeters or Senator Tommy Tuberville. Democrats in Alabama have a terrible track record of not actually supporting their own candidates with contributions of any kind. The last Democratic nominee for Governor, Yolanda Flowers, barely raised $12,000. Boyd himself was massively outraised and outspent by Republican Katie Britt in his own race for U.S. Senate in 2022.

The Democratic primary is on May 19, 2026.

(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report)