Gubernatorial candidate Will Boyd joins the Brandon and Christopher Show Podcast

October 3, 2025 – Pastor Will Boyd joined the Brandon and Christopher Show Podcast to discuss the status of his campaign and his platform if he is elected governor.

Boyd has multiple degrees in a variety of subject areas. He has worked extensively in the private sector. He is also a Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Boyd was the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022 and the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2018.

"My whole goal has always been to make sure I provide a shot for every Alaman to have a opportunity to succeed," said Dr. Boyd. "I want every Alabaman to have a shot at the American dream. So obviously as governor I can do more to impact the state here for every one of our 67 counties serving."

In 2022 the Democratic nominee for Governor had less than 30 percent of the vote in the general election.

"The last time we saw someone break 40% was Walt Maddox, and of course, I was his running mate as Lieutenant Governor at the time," said Boyd. "I think this year is totally different. One of the things that I've done specifically to make sure that we reach across the aisle is to embrace issues that affect all Alabamians."

Dr. Boyd faces a competitive Democratic primary. Chad "Chig" Martin and Yolanda Flowers – who won the Democratic nomination in 2022 – are both declared candidates.

Boyd said that he is building a bigger coalition with more diversity than he had in the 2022 race.

"We've also seen where more women, Caucasian voters have come out and supported us as well," said Boyd. "I think this year is totally different. One of the things that I've done specifically to make sure that we reach across the aisle is to embrace issues that affect all Alabamians."

Boyd said that he is embracing a 67-county strategy" and has 600 volunteers already for his campaign.

"My opponent says he wants to spend $1.3 billion on prisons. I would rather see that $1.3 billion on our education system."

Boyd said that the top issue in the election will be healthcare.

"The Democrats on the Hill in Washington and Congress are fighting to make sure that the (Obamacare) subsidies are there, that any cuts that were made are restored," Boyd said of the government shutdown. "They're looking forward to making sure that Alabamians particularly are not going to see increases."

Even though the state already spends over $10 billion a year on schools (not counting federal or local funds) Boyd said he believes there is a need for more dollars for education.

"Our students aren't competitive," said Boyd. "We have a lot of work we need to do for student success in our state. So yes, I definitely believe it will take that and more. I even believe we need a a lottery."

The Legislature has passed, and the Governor signed the Choose Act which allows education dollar follows the child to a different public school, a private school, or even to help home schooling.

"We're seeing a lot of failing schools in Alabama," said Boyd. "We're seeing uh infrastructure issues. We have a lot of places where there is no broadband access at all, and we just need that money to stay where it is in the educational trust fund."

Boyd said that "we need to legalize" marijuana and opposes HB445 which heavily regulates and restricts psychoactive cannabinoids derived from hemp which went into effect July 1.

"We have now about a thousand businesses that are facing closure. Some have inventory. I talked to a person this week who owns a CBD store. Long story short, he actually said he's seen his sales drop about 40%. He had to throw about $6,000 worth of inventory in the trash." "

Boyd said that he would address prison overcrowding by releasing more prisoners.

"There's a lot we can do without even building more prisons," said Boyd. "Today we're looking at about under 5% of people being uh paroled. We're also looking at where the budget for the parole board has only been decreased about 5%. So, you might want to go the opposite end. Before you start talking about what you're doing to build more prisons."

Boyd was asked if expediting paroles would lead to more crime – particularly violent crime in our major cities.

"I do not believe people who have committed any violent crime should be on the streets of Alabama at all," said Boyd. "They should be all locked up."

Boyd favors more money being spent on law enforcement and district attorneys.

"What we also want to see is more money going towards DA offices, more money going towards our court system so that we are not in places where we are falling behind," said Boyd. "Money's not there. Once we again work towards helping our judicial system, making sure we have even the right police presence on the street, that makes a difference. Not a national guard, but police presence."

Alabama and Texas are the states that execute the most people. Boyd was asked if he was comfortable with the rate at which Alabama is performing executions.

"I'm a person who believes in life," said Boyd. "So, if I were called at the last minute to talk about or at least discuss with someone whether or not somebody should live or die. I'm not in favor of the death penalty. So, that is something that I would have to deal with on a case-by case basis myself because I believe life is important."

Boyd predicted that Tuberville like Republican nominees in the past won't agree to a debate with the Democratic nominee.

"But so far in 2018, 2016, 2022, the Republicans won't even debate me," said Boyd. "I doubt Tommy Tuberville will try to have a debate with me. He will probably act like I don't exist." "If they attack me, President Trump flies in attacks me. If Tommy Tuberville chooses to attack me, they elevate my position. They make me more viable, more relevant."

The Democratic primary is still six months away and the general election is 13 months away, but Boyd says that he is already getting hate mail.

"I have to tell my youngest daughter, don't go to the mailbox because there are certain things people put in my mailboxes. And I shouldn't have said that publicly, but I have to be concerned."

Boyd says that he has also received criticism for his Christian faith.

"I know that people don't necessarily like me because I'm a bishop or a pastor. I know some people might not think well of me because I'm an engineer or I'm a Christian clinical therapist. One person had a problem with me because they said I was a candidate from North Alabama. You know I didn't tell them yet that I live in Hoover. I'm not worried about it. But it's okay. That just showed them another geography. But that's okay. Somebody even used derogatory terms and called me something related to slavery terms this week. It comes with the territory."

Sen. Tuberville is a leader in defending women's sports in protecting girls against biological males competing as women claiming they are changing their gender. We asked Boyd about this.

"It seems that he loves fixating on the three transgender high school athletes versus the 30,000 who may be in a crisis where they don't have enough food to eat," said Boyd. "It's always an issue that relates to bringing about division rather than inclusion. Now, as it relates to sports, I'll be very direct. I believe that we should have an open category where people can compete openly regardless of what their orientation may be, male or female, or how they identify." "I believe LGBTQIA+ should be protected class citizens in the United States."

Boyd supports addressing his lottery and hemp deregulation agenda with special sessions.

"I believe as governor, I could call a legislative session, as I said, with the HB445 issue hemp man. I could bring this one up again, the second legislative session. Talk about the lottery. I like the idea of of a clean slate."

"The top three issues are health, the economy, and community stability. as we're addressing each and every one of those surgically in each area, I believe we're going to do better. I have a big problem with Alabama living like a third world country when we can do a whole lot more with the resources we already have."

Despite the challenges Boyd was optimistic about his chances.

"I believe people are going to be surprised in November when I'm elected governor."

The Democratic primary is on May 19, 2026.

The Brandon and Christropher Show (BCA) podcast is cohosted by Alabama Gazette lead reporter and content manager Brandon Moseley and Alabama Political Contributor publisher Christopher Peeks.

To make a comment or ask a question email brandonmreporter@gmail.com