Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) is projected to win Alabama's gubernatorial race, defeating former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones, according to Decision Desk HQ. The victory marks a rematch of their 2020 Senate contest, which Tuberville won by about 20 points, flipping the seat to Republican control.
With the win, Tuberville will succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Kay Ivey, ensuring the GOP retains the governor's office in the deep-red state. The former Auburn University football coach, who entered politics in 2020, will now trade his Senate seat for the state's top executive post.
Tuberville cruised through the Republican primary in May, capturing more than 85 percent of the vote against challengers Ken McFeeters and Will Santivasci. Jones, meanwhile, secured the Democratic nomination with nearly 79 percent support.
Throughout the campaign, Tuberville closely aligned himself with former President Trump, emphasizing immigration enforcement, tax cuts, and conservative social policies. He also held a significant fundraising advantage, pulling in roughly $17.7 million compared with Jones's $6.8 million, according to campaign finance reports through Oct. 27.
The race highlighted sharp policy divisions, particularly over Medicaid expansion and school choice. Tuberville opposed expanding Medicaid, arguing the state could not afford it, while Jones backed expansion and proposed phasing out Alabama's CHOOSE Act school voucher program. Tuberville, by contrast, supported expanding that program.
Tuberville declined to debate Jones, who held an October event featuring video clips of Tuberville's past statements. The Republican's refusal to face his opponent on stage was a recurring theme in the campaign.
Alabama has not elected a Democratic governor since Don Siegelman in 1998, and Tuesday's outcome keeps that streak intact. Tuberville's victory also bolsters the GOP's hold on statewide offices in the Yellowhammer State.
The result comes amid a broader electoral landscape where Republicans are defending key governorships. In neighboring states, races have drawn national attention, such as Wisconsin's historic gubernatorial contest and Arizona's governor's race, where incumbents are fighting for another term.
Tuberville's move to the governor's mansion also creates an open Senate seat in Alabama, which will be filled in a special election. Republican Rep. Barry Moore has already announced a bid for that seat, as reported in this analysis of the Senate race.
With Tuberville's victory, Republicans maintain control of Alabama's executive branch, and the former coach's alignment with Trump is expected to continue shaping the state's policy direction.
