Judge Dismisses McFeeters' Lawsuit Challenging Tuberville's Candidacy; McFeeters Criticizes GOP Leadership

A Montgomery County judge has dismissed Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken McFeeters' lawsuit challenging whether U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville meets Alabama's constitutional residency requirement to run for governor. The ruling ends McFeeters' legal effort in court, but it has not quieted the political debate he ignited inside the Alabama GOP.

McFeeters filed the lawsuit earlier this spring, arguing that Tuberville had not lived in Alabama for the seven consecutive years required of gubernatorial candidates. The judge's dismissal came after the Alabama Republican Party asked the court to throw out the case rather than allow it to proceed to an evidentiary hearing.

Following the ruling, McFeeters sharply criticized both Tuberville and the state party's handling of the dispute.

McFeeters: "You tell the people they don't have the right to ask"

McFeeters said the dismissal avoids the central question he believes Alabama voters deserve to have answered.

"Instead of proving to the people of Alabama you've lived here, for the seven years the constitution requires, you tell the people/court that the people don't have the right to ask."

He argued that Tuberville could have ended the controversy by providing clear documentation of his residency history, but instead relied on procedural arguments to avoid a hearing.

Criticism of ALGOP Leadership

McFeeters also questioned why the Alabama Republican Party intervened to request dismissal rather than allow the case to be heard on its merits.

"Why would the ALGOP ask for a dismissal rather than show the people Tuberville has lived in Alabama for the last seven years?"

He said the party's decision undermines transparency and weakens trust among grassroots Republicans.

"I became a Republican because the Republicans are the good guys"

In a broader critique of party leadership, McFeeters said the dismissal reflects a deeper problem within the GOP.

"I became a Republican because the Republicans are the good guys. I still believe that but too many of our leaders are not on our side. Too many of our leaders are globalists and not America First."

McFeeters has positioned himself as an outsider candidate running against what he describes as entrenched political insiders and national‑level influences within the state party.

What Comes Next

The judge's dismissal means Tuberville remains on the ballot unless further challenges are filed. McFeeters has not indicated whether he plans to appeal, but he has signaled that the issue will continue to be part of his campaign message.

The Alabama Republican Party has not publicly released additional details about its request for dismissal, and Tuberville's campaign has maintained that the senator meets all constitutional requirements.

With the primary approaching, the residency dispute - though legally resolved for now - is likely to remain a flashpoint in the race as Tuberville (the favorite in all the polling) moves on to the general election and a likely rematch with former Senator Doug Jones (D-Alabama).

(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.)