Doug Jones Launches Alabama Governor Campaign on 2017 Victory Anniversary

In a packed Birmingham rally, former U.S. Senator Doug Jones kicked off his bid for governor on the eighth anniversary of his 2017 win over Republican Roy Moore.

A Historic Campaign Kickoff

Jones addressed a crowd that included musician Jason Isbell, saying, “With your help we can finish what we began. We can build the Alabama we’ve always deserved.” The rally underscored the significance of his 2017 victory, a moment that proved Alabama could defy “simplified labels of red and blue.”

Issues at the Forefront

The former senator highlighted three urgent state problems: economic, health‑care and educational challenges that current officials, he said, have not addressed. He called for Alabama to join most other states in establishing a state lottery and expanding Medicaid. Expanding Medicaid, he said, would protect rural hospitals from closure and provide health‑care coverage to working families and others who need it.

Jones also criticized Senator Tommy Tuberville’s opposition to extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. He said many Alabama families depend on those subsidies to buy health insurance “to keep their families healthy.”

A Potential Rematch with Tommy Tuberville

Jones’ entry sets up a possible rematch with Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who defeated him by 20 points in 2020 and is also running for governor. Both candidates will face party primaries in May before the November election.

Tuberville, who previously led Auburn University’s football program, had “no record except as a football coach” when he first ran, Jones said. “Now there are five years of being a United States senator. There are five years of embarrassing the state.”

Jones questioned Tuberville’s residency, stating, “He doesn’t even live in Alabama, and if he does, then prove me wrong.” Tuberville owns a beach house in Walton County, Florida, but repeatedly says Auburn is his home.

A Legacy of Public Service

Before entering politics, Jones was a lawyer and former U.S. attorney best known for prosecuting two Ku Klan members responsible for Birmingham’s 1963 church bombing. His 2017 victory renewed hopes for Democratic voters in the Deep South, and many in the crowd cheered his return to the political stage.

Expert Perspective

Retired political science professor Jess Brown weighed in, saying, “Based on what I know today, at this juncture of the campaign, I would say that Doug Jones, who’s a very talented and bright man, is politically the walking dead.” She noted that Jones lost in 2020 despite being a well‑funded incumbent, indicating an uphill battle in 2026.

Public Reaction

Angela Hornbuckle, a supporter, expressed optimism: “I’m just glad that there’s somebody sensible getting in the race.” She added, “He proved that he could do it as a senator.”

Key Takeaways

• Doug Jones launched his governor campaign on the anniversary of his 2017 Senate win.
• He cited economic, health‑care and education as priority issues, urging Medicaid expansion and a state lottery.
• The race may pit him against Tommy Tuberville, who won the 2020 election by 20 points.

The campaign’s kickoff, marked by a strong rally and a clear policy agenda, signals Jones’s intent to challenge the status quo and offer voters a choice beyond partisan labels.