SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A legal challenge involving Republican gubernatorial nominee Tommy Tuberville has placed a key question before the Alabama Supreme Court: Who can enforce the state Constitution’s residency requirement before an election?
Article V, Section 117 requires Alabama’s governor to have been a “resident citizen” for the seven years preceding the election.
Voters Brooke Lynn Dorgan and Justin Jude LeBlanc filed suit, arguing that Tuberville’s connections to a Florida residence raise questions about his legal domicile. Tuberville denies the allegations, citing his Alabama voter registration, driver’s license, tax filings, Auburn residence and service as Alabama’s U.S. senator.
The Alabama Republican Party unanimously determined that Tuberville met its residency standard, but no court has ruled on whether he satisfies the constitutional requirement.
Montgomery County Circuit Judge Brooke Reid dismissed the lawsuit July 9, saying she lacked jurisdiction to determine a certified nominee’s eligibility before the election. Her decision addressed legal procedure—not Tuberville’s residency.
The challengers want the Alabama Supreme Court to revive the case. The justices must decide whether Alabama’s quo warranto procedure can be used against a nominee who has not yet taken office.