SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY — Alabama’s 2026 election season has already become one of the most expensive in recent state history, with candidates spending more than $40.6 million during the May primary and June runoff elections for state and federal offices.
The biggest spending battle came in the race for Alabama attorney general, where candidates spent more than $10.8 million, making it the most expensive contest of the primary season. Campaign finance tracker data also shows the attorney general race drawing more than $10.7 million in cash contributions.
But the money did not always guarantee victory.
Several candidates who spent heavily still lost their races, showing that Alabama voters were not simply following the largest campaign bank accounts. In the lieutenant governor race, former Alabama Republican Party Chair John Wahl defeated Secretary of State Wes Allen in the Republican runoff, even though both campaigns spent millions. In other races, candidates for state auditor, agriculture commissioner and the Public Service Commission also lost despite major spending.
Political observers say the unusually high spending reflects a more competitive election environment. Richard Fording, a political science professor at the University of Alabama, told Alabama Reflector that Republican vulnerability nationally, low approval ratings for President Donald Trump and a stronger Democratic slate have helped bring more money into Alabama races.
An AP-NORC poll conducted in June placed Trump’s overall approval rating at 37%, underscoring the national political headwinds affecting the midterm cycle.
In the U.S. Senate race, Republican candidates spent about $7.2 million. U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, led Senate candidates in spending with $2.6 million, defeating Jared Hudson in the June runoff. Moore will face Democratic nominee Everett Wess in November.
Congressional candidates in Alabama’s 3rd, 4th and 5th districts spent a combined $3.4 million. In North Alabama’s 5th District, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville, spent $641,500 and will face Democrat Andrew Sneed, who spent $341,200.
On the state level, candidates spent about $30 million across statewide offices. Republican gubernatorial nominee Tommy Tuberville raised $13.2 million and spent $3.9 million, while Democratic nominee Doug Jones raised $2.5 million and spent $1.3 million, setting up a high-profile November rematch.
With millions already spent and the general election still ahead, Alabama voters can expect another costly campaign season as candidates compete for attention, turnout and trust.