The Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) announced that 187 individuals qualified to run for office as Republicans within the first 24 hours of qualifying opening for the 2026 election cycle, signaling what the party considers strong enthusiasm and engagement ahead of next year's primary elections.
"The first 24 hours of qualifying have shown tremendous energy and enthusiasm," Wahl said. "We are seeing a deep bench of conservatives who are ready to step forward, serve their communities, and help shape Alabama's future. That level of participation this early speaks volumes about the momentum heading into 2026," Chairman John Wahl said in a statement.
The first day saw candidates arrive with friends, family and the media. House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) held an event on the party's front steps, where a beautiful rendition of "America the Beautiful" rang out over a crowd of supporters. The neighbors called the police, mistaking the heavy crowd for a protest.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) was joined by supporters and met with press from around the state, taking questions and outlining his vision and goals as he seeks to be the "CEO of the state."
This is the point where ideas turn into campaigns and leadership takes form," Wahl said. "Republican voters will soon be able to see who is stepping up to run, and ultimately, they will decide who carries our Party's banner into the general election."
The 2026 Republican Primary will include races for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tuberville, any Republican member of Congress who faces opposition, and open seats for Governor, Lt. Governor, and other statewide constitutional offices, select judicial positions, and the entire Alabama Legislature.
Republicans currently hold every statewide constitutional office and a supermajority in the Legislature.
"The 2026 election will be pivotal for the direction of our state," Wahl said. "Alabama has become a national leader in conservative policy, and maintaining that leadership starts with strong candidates who are willing to step forward and run," Wahl said.
Alabama Republican Party Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications Jeannie Burniston said the party is committed to transparency and keeping voters informed throughout the qualifying period.
"As candidates file their Declaration of Candidacy and submit their qualifying fee, we will continue updating this webpage so Republican voters can easily see who has entered the race," Burniston said. "Once qualifying closes, the page will also feature links to candidate websites and social media accounts, when provided, so voters can begin researching the candidates as they prepare to vote in the primary."
Voters and members of the public can view a regularly updated list of candidates who have qualified to run in the 2026 Republican Primary by visiting: algop.org/qualified-2026-republican-candidates.
Republican qualifying officially opened Monday morning and will remain open through Friday, January 23, at 5:00 p.m. Candidates seeking to run as Republicans may qualify online or in person at Alabama Republican Party headquarters in Hoover.
The Republican Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with the primary runoff election scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
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