Who is running in Montgomery County, Alabama in 2026
- Montgomery County Board of Education, District 1
- Dwayne Farrior (D) and Lesa Keith (R)
- Montgomery County Board of Education, District 5
- Alvin Tucker (D) and Melissa B. Snowden (R)
- Governor
- Doug Jones (D) and Tommy Tuberville (R)
- Lieutenant Governor
- Phillip Ensler (D) and John Wahl (R)
- U.S. Senator
- Everett Wess (D) and Barry Moore (R)
- Attorney General
- Jeff McLaughlin (D) and Katherine Robertson (R)
- Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Place 8
- Ashleigh Meyer Dunham (D) and Greg Shaw (R)
- Secretary of State
- Wayne Rogers (D) and Caroleene Dobson (R)
- State Treasurer
- Rosilyn Houston (D) and Young Boozer (R)
- State Auditor
- Violet Edwards (D) and Andrew Sorrell (R)
- Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
- Ron Sparks (D) and Corey Hill (R)
- Public Service Commission, Place 1
- James O. Gordon (D) and Matt Gentry (R)
- Public Service Commission, Place 2
- Sheila D. McNeil (D) and Jim Zeigler (R)
- U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
- Shomari C. Figures (D) and Rhett Marques (R)
- State Senator, District 25
- Phadra Carson Foster (D) and Will Barfoot (R)
- State Representative, District 69
- Kelvin J. Lawrence (D) and Josh Pendergrass (R)
- State Representative, District 74
- Jasmyne Crimiel (D) and Alva Lambert (R)
- State Representative, District 75
- Tisha Dickson Nickson (D) and Reed Ingram (R)
Montgomery County
Most county offices on this year's ballot are unopposed. The contested local races are two school board seats; school board members here run with party labels.
Montgomery County Board of Education, District 1
Vote for oneSchool board seats here run with party labels. Montgomery Public Schools has been through superintendent fights and a Chamber of Commerce resolution criticizing the board.
Dwayne Farrior
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratRunning on student achievement, accountability and support for teachers. Endorsed by the Alabama Democratic Conference.
Sources: Campaign site, Sway
Lesa Keith
Compromised RepublicanIn 2024 she drew criticism for degrading remarks about the superintendent and his family on a local radio show. At a June 2026 meeting she called a principal reassignment "absolutely stupid" and "a race thing."
Sources: Alabama Political Reporter, 1819 News, Ballotpedia
Montgomery County Board of Education, District 5
Vote for oneAlvin Tucker
Not enough info (best choice in this race) DemocratRunning on fiscal and academic accountability and partnerships to prepare students for life after graduation. Endorsed by the Montgomery County Democratic Conference. We found no news coverage of him.
Sources: Campaign site, Sway
Melissa B. Snowden
Not enough info RepublicanSays she wants a board that keeps students at the center, keeps good staff and answers to parents and taxpayers. Her campaign says the state school boards association named her member of the year in 2015. We found no recent news coverage.
Sources: Campaign site
County offices and judges with no opponent
No contestUnopposed Democrats: Sheriff Derrick Cunningham, Revenue Commissioner Allyson Holland, Circuit Judges (15th Circuit) Brooke Reid (Place 2), J.R. Gaines (Place 4), Lloria Munnerlyn James (Place 7) and Tiffany B. McCord (Place 9), District Judge Place 1 Samarria Munnerlyn Dunson, and school board members Pamela Portis (District 2), Brenda DeRamus-Coleman (District 3) and Jerome Jones Jr. (District 6).
Local Amendment 1
PropositionsWe describe this and don't make a recommendation. It would let Montgomery City Council members join the Employees' Retirement System of Alabama, the state pension plan for public workers (Act 2025-181).
State and federal
All of Montgomery County is in the 2nd Congressional District. State Senate Districts 25 and 26 and House Districts 69, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 and 90 split the county; check your sample ballot to see which are yours.
Governor
Vote for oneOpen seat: Gov. Kay Ivey is term-limited.
Doug Jones
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratAs U.S. attorney he convicted two Klansmen for the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. Running on health care and the economy, backs a state lottery, and wants nonpartisan members on the state library board.
Sources: UChicago Institute of Politics, Wikipedia, Greene County Democrat
Tommy Tuberville
Not good people RepublicanEndorsed by Donald Trump for governor, and voted to object to certifying the 2020 presidential election. In 2022 he said Democrats favor reparations because "the people that do the crime are owed that."
Sources: PBS NewsHour, 1819 News, CBS News, Britannica
Lieutenant Governor
Vote for onePhillip Ensler
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratWants to end the state grocery tax, set a state minimum wage, expand Medicaid and pause data center construction until there are rules for them. Endorsed by the Alabama AFL-CIO and Moms Demand Action.
Sources: Birmingham Times, Alabama Reflector / APR, 1819 News
John Wahl
Not good people RepublicanEndorsed by Donald Trump for this race and was one of Alabama's Trump electors in 2020. While on the state library board, which he now chairs, he was criticized for ties to Clean Up Alabama, a group pushing to pull books from libraries, and a reading-freedom group asked for an ethics investigation in 2023.
Sources: 1819 News, Cullman Times, Wikipedia
U.S. Senator
Vote for oneOpen seat: Sen. Tommy Tuberville is running for governor.
Everett Wess
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratRunning on voting rights, health care and public schools, and says he'd put Alabama ahead of any president. Opposes Trump's plan to import foreign beef, saying it would hurt Alabama cattle farmers.
Sources: Alabama Political Reporter, Alabama Political Reporter, Campaign site
Barry Moore
Not good people RepublicanEndorsed by Donald Trump, and calls himself the first elected official in the country to endorse Trump in 2015. Objected to certifying the 2020 election on January 6, 2021, and later voted against Congressional Gold Medals for the police who defended the Capitol that day.
Sources: 1819 News, Alabama Political Reporter, Campaign site, Wikipedia
Attorney General
Vote for oneOpen seat: Attorney General Steve Marshall is term-limited.
Jeff McLaughlin
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratAs a legislator he wrote the ban on PAC-to-PAC transfers, the campaign money law that now carries his name. Takes no corporate or PAC money this time and says he'll back local police and sheriffs.
Sources: Campaign site, Wikipedia, Ballotpedia
Katherine Robertson
Not good people RepublicanEndorsed by Donald Trump, and her campaign pledges to advance his agenda. Also endorsed by the NRA and the Club for Growth.
Sources: 1819 News, Alabama Daily News, Campaign site
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Place 8
Vote for oneAshleigh Meyer Dunham
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratSays judges should weigh the real-world effect of their rulings and criticized the court's 2024 decision treating frozen embryos as children, which halted IVF in Alabama. Endorsed by the Alabama AFL-CIO and former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb.
Sources: Alabama Political Reporter, iVoterGuide, Campaign site
Greg Shaw
Not enough info RepublicanJoined the 2024 LePage ruling that frozen embryos count as children under the wrongful-death law. In 2015 he dissented when the court ordered probate judges to follow the state's one-man-one-woman marriage law despite a federal ruling. Endorsed by the Farmers Federation's FarmPAC and the Realtors PAC.
Sources: iVoterGuide, Ballotpedia, Alabama Gazette
Secretary of State
Vote for oneThe secretary of state runs Alabama's elections.
Wayne Rogers
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratWants polls open the Saturday before elections and no-excuse absentee voting brought back. Endorsed by the Alabama AFL-CIO.
Sources: The Old Black Sheep (TOBSAL), Campaign site
Caroleene Dobson
Not good people RepublicanPraises Trump, saying he "is rebuilding that trust and transparency in Washington," and wants an election crimes unit modeled on Florida's, citing "voter roll maintenance" and fraud claims. Endorsed by Sen. Katie Britt and the Business Council of Alabama.
Sources: 256 Today, Alabama Political Reporter, Alabama Daily News
State Treasurer
Vote for oneRosilyn Houston
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratRunning on transparency and wider economic opportunity. Endorsed by the Alabama AFL-CIO.
Sources: The Ballot Brief, iVoterGuide
Young Boozer
Not enough info RepublicanPoints to growth in the Alabama Trust Fund and a recovered PACT college savings plan. In 2023 he turned down a $30 million state loan to Birmingham-Southern College, calling it a "terrible credit risk"; the college's lawsuit was dismissed and it closed.
Sources: Inside Higher Ed, Lagniappe, Campaign site
State Auditor
Vote for oneThe auditor appoints one member of each county's board of registrars, the office that adds and removes voters.
Violet Edwards
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratFirst Black woman on the Madison County Commission. Says she'd run the office on accountability and transparency "without politicizing" it.
Sources: Campaign site, Ballotpedia
Andrew Sorrell
Compromised RepublicanHis PAC took money from the family behind First Liberty, a Georgia lender the SEC says ran a $140 million Ponzi scheme, then lent the firm $29,000; he says he lost money too and returned the donations. Chaired Alabama's Trump delegation at the 2020 Republican convention.
Sources: Alabama Reflector, Alabama Reflector, Wikipedia
Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
Vote for oneThe department inspects food, grocery scales and gas pumps, and regulates pesticides and livestock health.
Ron Sparks
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratWants to bring back gas pump inspections and the department's law enforcement division, and drop the sales tax on farm equipment. Endorsed by former Republican Attorney General Troy King.
Sources: Alabama Daily News, Alabama Political Reporter, Gadsden Messenger
Corey Hill
Compromised RepublicanBacked by the Alabama Grocers Association and the Farmers Federation's FarmPAC, groups the department regulates, and he runs a grocery store himself. Wants fewer federal rules on beef processing and more local meat and dairy processing.
Sources: Alabama Political Reporter, Alabama Daily News, Campaign site
Public Service Commission, Place 1
Vote for oneThe PSC sets Alabama Power's rates.
James O. Gordon
Not enough info (best choice in this race) DemocratSays he'd make sure utilities operate "fairly, transparently" and in the interest of ordinary customers. Wants Alabamians to get a vote on gambling.
Sources: Campaign site, iVoterGuide
Matt Gentry
Not enough info RepublicanBeat the incumbent, Jeremy Oden, in the May primary, promising openness and low power bills, and opposed a 2026 bill to make PSC seats appointed. A former deputy's federal suit accusing him of retaliation is pending; he calls it frivolous.
Sources: 1819 News, The Political Group
Public Service Commission, Place 2
Vote for oneSheila D. McNeil
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratRunning on fair rates and open decisions, with a plan for regulating power-hungry data centers. Endorsed by the Alabama AFL-CIO.
Sources: Campaign site, The Political Group, iVoterGuide
Jim Zeigler
Not good people RepublicanIn 2017 he defended Roy Moore against reports he pursued a 14-year-old, saying "Mary was a teenager and Joseph was an adult carpenter." This year he skipped a League of Women Voters forum because the League opposed redrawing the congressional map that had given Black voters a second district.
Sources: Time, Alabama Political Reporter, Wikipedia
Appeals court judges with no opponent
No contestUnopposed Republicans: Supreme Court Place 7 (Brad Mendheim), Court of Civil Appeals Place 4 (Benjamin M. Bowden) and Place 5 (Matt Fridy), Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4 (Mary Windom) and Place 5 (Riggs Walker).
Statewide constitutional amendments
PropositionsWe describe these and don't make recommendations. Summaries follow the state's Fair Ballot Commission statements.
- Amendment 1, lieutenant governor vacancies and legislative pay: If the lieutenant governor's office opens up more than 60 days before the next state election, voters would elect a replacement for the rest of the term (now it sits empty). Also lets the Legislature set the pay of the lieutenant governor and its own officers by joint resolution, and requires a chamber officer to approve lawmakers' travel spending.
- Amendment 2, merging county school systems: Lets two or more neighboring county school boards vote to merge into one system, after a State Board of Education impact study. If 25% of voters in any of the counties sign a protest, the merger goes to a vote and needs a majority in each county.
- Amendment 3, Pledge of Allegiance and school prayer: Requires every public K-12 school to lead the Pledge at the start of each day and every school board to adopt a policy allowing student-initiated, student-led prayer. Students could opt out of either. Sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram of Pike Road (Alabama Reflector).
- Amendment 4, national anthem in schools: Requires every public K-12 school to play or perform the first stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner at least once a week during school hours.
U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
Vote for oneAfter a 2026 Supreme Court ruling, the Legislature redrew this district and held a second primary in August. The new lines drop Mobile and lower the Black share of the population from about half to about 40%, which makes it more competitive for Republicans.
Shomari C. Figures
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratIntroduced a $15 billion tariff relief program for small and mid-sized farmers. Supports universal background checks and red flag laws, and is endorsed by Rep. Terri Sewell and Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed.
Sources: Campaign site, Giffords, Alabama Political Reporter, OPB / AP
Rhett Marques
Not good people RepublicanEndorsed by Donald Trump and campaigns on him, saying Trump "achieved the most secure border in American history." Also backed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the NFIB.
Sources: Yellowhammer News, 1819 News, Alabama Political Reporter
State Senator, District 25
Vote for onePhadra Carson Foster
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratWants to protect local hospitals, expand senior, maternity and mental health care, and strengthen public schools. Endorsed by the Alabama AFL-CIO.
Sources: Campaign site, iVoterGuide
Will Barfoot
Compromised RepublicanWrote Alabama's 2024 law banning diversity, equity and inclusion offices at public colleges, schools and agencies. Endorsed by the NRA and the Business Council of Alabama.
Sources: Alabama Political Reporter, 1819 News, iVoterGuide
State Representative, District 69
Vote for oneKelvin J. Lawrence
Compromised (best choice in this race) DemocratJosh Pendergrass
Not good people RepublicanSays he supports advancing Trump's agenda in Alabama and backs the DOGE cuts.
Sources: Yellowhammer News, Campaign site
State Representative, District 74
Vote for oneOpen seat: Rep. Phillip Ensler is running for lieutenant governor.
Jasmyne Crimiel
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratLifelong Montgomery resident running on public safety, schools and working families. Sits on the board of the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence and founded a mentoring nonprofit for girls.
Sources: Alabama Political Reporter, Alabama Political Reporter
Alva Lambert
Not enough info RepublicanRunning on police and neighborhood safety, health care access and growth. A 2024 report on a state licensing contractor said he was paid past the cap for state retirees and left when it was found.
Sources: 1819 News, Alabama Daily News, Campaign site
State Representative, District 75
Vote for oneTisha Dickson Nickson
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratWants to expand Medicaid and SNAP and open a local mental health hospital. Endorsed by the Alabama AFL-CIO.
Sources: Campaign site, iVoterGuide
Reed Ingram
Not enough info RepublicanSponsored Amendment 3 on this ballot (Pledge every school day and a student-led prayer policy). His first version would have cut 25% of state funding from schools that didn't comply; he blamed the lack of school prayer for falling grades and rising incarceration. Endorsed by the Farmers Federation.
Sources: Alabama Political Reporter, Alabama Political Reporter
Legislative seats with no opponent
No contestState Senate District 26: Kirk Hatcher (D). State House District 76: Patrice "Penni" McClammy (D); District 77: TaShina Morris (D); District 78: Kenyatté Hassell (D); District 90: Chris Sells (R).
More Alabama guides
Governor, statewide offices and ballot measures: Alabama statewide races.