Alabama is likely to see another matchup between former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones and U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville now that Jones has filed paperwork to run for governor of Alabama.
On Monday, Jones announced his candidacy on social media after he registered his campaign committee to run as a Democrat in Alabama’s gubernatorial race in 2026. This confirmed Inside Alabama Politics‘ reporting last Tuesday that Jones would run for the state’s top job. An official kickoff is expected in December.
“Folks in Alabama deserve a governor who is going to fight for them,” Jones said in a video posted on X in front of the Alabama State Capitol.
So I’ve made it official folks: I’ve filed the paperwork to run for Governor of Alabama. It’s time to remind this state of who we are and what we can accomplish together.#DougForAlabama pic.twitter.com/iQcPGc3luL
— Doug Jones (@DougJones) November 24, 2025
Jones, a lawyer, was a U.S. attorney when in 2002 he successfully prosecuted two Ku Klux Klan members for the 1963 church bombing that killed four black girls.
He’s also the last Democrat to win statewide office in the heavily Republican state. He represented Alabama in the U.S. Senate from 2018 to 2021. Jones was able to grasp the Senate seat and replace Jeff Sessions in the 2017 special election after Republican nominee Roy Moore faced sexual misconduct allegations.
Jones handily lost his seat to Tuberville in 2020, receiving about 40% of the vote compared to Tuberville’s 60%.
Now, he’s hoping to pull off a bid to replace Gov. Kay Ivey, who is term-limited.
“It’s hard to see people struggle with the cost of the most basic stuff in life — food, housing, and healthcare,” Jones said in a statement. “Jobs aren’t paying more. In rural communities and big cities, the gap between living costs and income keeps growing. We need to give Alabamians a real path, real relief, and economic opportunity.”
Since announcing his run for Alabama governor in May, Tuberville has practically cleared the Republican field and has faced little resistance in his gubernatorial bid. Even if Jones faces an uphill battle, his entrance into the race will undoubtedly shake it up and attract more statewide interest.
In his social media video, Jones took a swipe at questions around Tuberville’s residency, saying, “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.”
Tuberville and his wife own and claim a homestead exemption on a house in Auburn, but also own two properties in Walton County, Fla., including a beachfront house.
A spokesperson for Tuberville’s gubernatorial campaign, Mallory Blount Jaspers, said on X that the last time Jones and Tuberville had a matchup, “it didn’t go well for Doug.”
“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.”
Jones also launched his campaign website, featuring a donation link, but no other details are available on his website yet.
Tuberville already has a significant war chest with more than $7 million on hand.
Democrats Will Boyd and Chad “Chig” Martin and Republican Ken McFeeters have also filed to run for governor. Party primaries are in May.