Former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones on Monday announced he would be jumping into Alabama’s gubernatorial race, potentially giving him the opportunity to once again face off against Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
Tuberville and Jones previously ran against each other in the 2020 Senate race, when Tuberville beat Jones, who was the incumbent, with more than 60% of the vote.
“What I know, and what we have heard all along, is that Alabama wants their next governor to be someone who lives here, who works here, who listens to the people of this state, who understands the people of this state,” Jones said in a video posted to social media. “And Alabama wants their next governor to be someone who treats this state with grace and dignity and not just like a rest stop on the way to the Florida beach.”
Jones is the highest-profile Democrat to jump in the race. He will compete in the primary against hemp business owner Chad “Chig” Martin and pastor Will Boyd, who has made several failed bids for office in the state.
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“With health care costs rising, schools failing and not enough good-paying jobs, Alabama families are hurting — but Tommy Tuberville would only make things worse,” Kevin Donohoe, a spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association, said in a statement to NOTUS.
“Alabama deserves new leadership that will get results and there’s an opportunity for a Democrat who fits the state well to make this race competitive,” he continued. “We’ve won in tough states like Kentucky, Kansas and North Carolina in recent years and are watching Alabama closely.”
Should Jones succeed Alabama’s term-limited Republican governor, Kay Ivey, he would be the state’s first Democratic governor since Don Siegelman, who left office in 2003.
Tuberville announced in May he would be seeking the governor’s seat. So far the only other Republican candidate is former state GOP leader Ken McFeeters. Tuberville’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but it appears to be feeling bullish about the general election.
“Last time Doug Jones ran against Coach Tuberville, it didn’t go well for Doug,” Mallory Jaspers, Tuberville’s communications director, said in a statement to Politico. “Coach has spent the past six months building coalitions across the state, securing endorsements from every key player in Alabama politics, and shattering fundraising records. This race is already over — but if Comrade Doug wants to get blown out again, be our guest.”
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