ALGOP to open 2026 candidate qualifying on January 5
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Special to the News
The Alabama Republican Party will open candidate qualifying for the 2026 election cycle on Monday, January 5, marking the formal start of a campaign season that will determine control of Alabama’s top state and federal offices.
Qualifying will begin at 8:30 a.m. and remain open through Friday, January 23, at 5 p.m.
ALGOP Chair John Wahl said the upcoming election cycle will be critical to Alabama’s future, as Republicans look to maintain their strong statewide presence while preparing for competitive primaries.
“The 2026 election will play a major role in shaping the direction of our state,” Wahl said. “This qualifying period is the first step for candidates who want to be part of that future and who are willing to step forward and lead.”
Republicans currently hold a supermajority in the Alabama Legislature and every statewide constitutional office. Wahl said maintaining that level of leadership is essential to continued progress.
“I want to see Alabama lead the nation in conservative policy. As one of the most conservative states in the country, we should be setting the standard on tax reform, economic growth, defending individual liberty, and protecting our children from a socialist agenda,” he said. “That mission begins by not only preserving but expanding our Republican supermajority with candidates who will fight unapologetically for freedom, faith, and conservative principles.”
Offices on the ballot in the 2026 election include:
- U.S. Senate
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- Attorney General
- Secretary of State
- Auditor
- Treasurer
- Commissioner of Agriculture and Industry
- Public Service Commissioner
- Court of Appeals (Civil and Criminal)
- Member of the State Board of Education
- Circuit Court Judge
- District Court Judge
- Alabama State Senate
- Alabama House of Representatives
Candidates may complete qualifying online at algop.org/2026-candidate-qualifying or in person at Alabama Republican Party Headquarters, 3505 Lorna Road, Hoover, Ala., 35216.
County-level offices; including county commissioners, sheriffs and coroners; do not qualify through ALGOP headquarters.
Candidates seeking those positions must qualify with their local county Republican Party organization. Contact information for county GOP chairmen is available on the ALGOP website by selecting “Find a Local GOP.”
Prospective candidates are encouraged to complete all required filings before qualifying with the Party. Those include filing a Statement of Economic Interest with the Alabama Ethics Commission (available online at https://seiform.alabama.gov) and forming a Principal Campaign Committee with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office (available online at https://fcpa.alabamavotes.gov). Party officials warn that failure to complete these steps in a timely manner could result in disqualification.
Key dates for the 2026 election cycle include:
- ALGOP Primary Election: Tuesday, May 19
- ALGOP Primary Runoff Election: Tuesday, June 16
- General Election: Tuesday, November 3
Candidates or members of the public seeking additional information may contact the Alabama Republican Party at 205-212-5900.
