Doug Jones Officially Launches Campaign for Alabama Governor

December 13, 2025 - BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones formally entered the 2026 race for Alabama governor on Thursday, pledging to expand health care, improve education, and restore dignity to state politics.

Jones, who captured national attention with his 2017 Senate victory over Republican Roy Moore, announced his candidacy at a rally in Birmingham attended by several hundred supporters. The event featured a performance by Grammy-winning musician Jason Isbell and was timed to coincide with the anniversary of Jones' Senate win eight years ago.

"With your help we can finish what we began," Jones told the crowd. "We can build the Alabama we've always deserved."

Policy Priorities

Jones outlined a platform centered on issues he said have been neglected by current leadership:

- Medicaid Expansion: Jones argued that Alabama must expand Medicaid to protect rural hospitals and provide coverage for working families.

- State Lottery: He called for a lottery to generate revenue for education and public services.

- Economic Relief: Jones pledged to address rising energy costs and improve workforce participation.

- Education Reform: He emphasized strengthening schools and ensuring equal access to quality education across the state.

"Our lives, our communities, our jobs, our wages, our kids' education, our health care, our doctors, our nurses - none of this is a game," Jones said.

Symbolism and Message

Jones invoked the song "Crowded Table" by The Highwomen, describing it as a metaphor for the inclusive Alabama he envisions. "Everyone deserves a seat at the table," he said, contrasting his message of unity with what he described as divisive rhetoric dominating state politics.

Facing Republican Dominance

Alabama has not elected a Democratic governor since 1998, and Jones acknowledged the uphill battle ahead. Political analysts note that Democrats have struggled to gain traction in statewide races, often falling short of 40 percent of the vote. Jones lost re-election to Coach Tommy Tuberville in a landslide - despite outspending Tuberville three to one.

Still, Jones insisted his candidacy offers voters a choice. Without him, he argued, Republican frontrunner Senator Tuberville would face little opposition. Tuberville has already declared his own gubernatorial bid and has raised $8.1 million, setting up a potential rematch.

Criticism of Tuberville

Jones criticized Tuberville's record in the Senate, accusing him of embarrassing the state and failing to support Alabama families. He questioned Tuberville's residency, pointing to his Florida beach house, and condemned his opposition to Affordable Care Act subsidies.

"Alabama deserves a governor who lives here, works here, and fights for the people here," Jones said.

Supporters React

The rally at The Theodore, a historic industrial venue in Birmingham, drew a diverse crowd of supporters who described Jones as a candidate committed to fairness and public service. Jason Isbell's performance added cultural weight to the event, underscoring Jones' appeal to younger and progressive voters.

For many Democrats, Jones represents not just a political option but a chance to reassert relevance in a state long dominated by Republicans.

Contested Primary

Doug Jones is not the only candidate running for the Democratic nomination for Governor. Hemp store owner and businessman Chad "Chig" Martin, Montgomery pastor JaMel Brown, and Florence pastor Dr. Will Boyd are all running to be the Democratic nominee for Governor. The Democratic primary is on May 19.

Conclusion

Doug Jones' campaign launch signals a determined effort to challenge Alabama's political status quo. By tying his candidacy to the memory of his 2017 Senate victory, Jones reminded supporters that change is possible, even in a deeply conservative state.

Whether he can replicate that success in a gubernatorial race remains uncertain. But his message was clear: the 2026 election, he said, is not about partisan gamesmanship - it is about the future of Alabama's families, schools, and communities.

(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.)