MONTGOMERY, Ala. – State Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, will seek another term in the Alabama Legislature, where he is already the longest serving member in history.
With the 2026 campaign season getting underway, many in Alabama political circles had been wondering if Waggoner would run one more time, given his 53 years of previous service. In a news release Monday, the Senate Rules Chairman said he still has goals he wants to accomplish.
“I’ve devoted a lifetime to serving my state, my community, and my neighbors, but there is still much work to be done and many goals to accomplish before all the hay is in the barn,” Waggoner said. “Though we’ve made tremendous progress over the years in education, economic development, and ensuring Alabama’s morals and values are protected, I remain committed to making our already great state even better.”
Waggoner was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1966 and remained in that body until 1983. That’s when he switched to the Republican Party and ran unsuccessfully for Congress. He was elected to the Alabama Senate in 1990 and has remained in that body for eight consecutive terms.
Waggoner chairs the powerful Senate Rules Committee, which sets the slate of legislation to be considered each day and can bring petitions to limit floor debate.
Waggoner and his wife, Marilyn, have been married for 67 years, and they are devoted members of the Homewood Church of Christ.
So far, there are four open seats in the Legislature next year. Rep. Jim Hill, R-Moody, and Sen. Tom Butler, R-Huntsville, are not seeking another term. Sen. Jack Williams’ Mobile County seat will be open next year as he runs for state agriculture commissioner. And Rep. Rhett Marques, R-Enterprise, is running for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District.