Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones, the last Democrat to win a statewide election in Alabama, has announced he is running for governor, setting the stage for a high-stakes political rematch against his former rival, Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville.
From Senate Upset to Gubernatorial Underdog
Jones, who served as a U.S. Attorney before his time in the Senate, is best known for his successful prosecution of two Ku Klux Klan members responsible for the 1963 bombing of Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church. His political career reached its peak in 2017 when he scored a stunning upset victory over scandal-plagued Republican Roy Moore in a special Senate election.
However, his time in Washington was short-lived. In the 2020 Senate election, Jones was unseated by former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville, who won by a margin of roughly 20 percentage points. Now, Jones is attempting another political comeback, this time for the state's top executive office.
A Formidable Republican Challenger
Jones's bid immediately pits him against Tuberville once again, who declared his own candidacy for governor earlier this year. The Republican, a loyal supporter of former President Donald Trump, has already been building his campaign apparatus for months.
A spokesperson for Tuberville's campaign was quick to dismiss Jones's chances, noting on social media that "Last time Doug Jones ran against Coach Tuberville, it didn’t go well for Doug." The statement also highlighted Tuberville's early fundraising success and coalition-building across the state.
The political landscape presents a significant challenge for any Democrat. Alabama remains a deeply conservative state, a fact underscored by Trump's 30-point victory there in the 2024 presidential election.
Campaign Strategies and Early Attacks
In his announcement video on Monday, Jones signaled his intent to confront Tuberville directly, particularly on questions regarding the Republican's ties to Alabama. Tuberville has faced scrutiny over his residency due to a beach house he owns in Florida.
"What we have heard all along is that Alabama wants their next governor to be someone who lives here, who works here, who listens to the people of this state," Jones stated. He added that the state deserves a leader who "treats this state with grace and dignity and not just like a rest stop on the way to the Florida beach."
Jones's political identity has been shaped by his willingness to challenge his own party and confront powerful figures. As a senator, he notably voted to convict President Trump during the 2020 impeachment trial.
Before he can focus fully on a general election battle, Jones must first navigate a Democratic primary in the spring, where he will compete against several other candidates vying for the party's nomination.
