Candidates qualify yet again for Alabama’s 2026 primaries: Here’s who’s running in special elections

It’s the third time for candidates to qualify for primaries because of the contested status of state congressional maps.

Ethan Parker Ethan Parker
Jun 2, 2026 - 23:12
Candidates qualify yet again for Alabama’s 2026 primaries: Here’s who’s running in special elections

Alabama's political landscape continues to shift as candidates once again head to the qualification desk. With the ongoing legal battle surrounding the state's congressional maps remaining unresolved, parties have officially opened new lists for the upcoming August 11 special election.

A Recurring Cycle

This marks the third time candidates have been required to qualify for this year's primaries. The instability stems from the contested status of the state’s congressional maps. Earlier today, Gov. Kay Ivey amended the special election schedule and ordered parties to reopen qualifying for a 24-hour window.

Currently, the state is moving forward with the court-approved map that was utilized during the 2024 cycle and the May 19 primary. This legal dispute intensified after a three-judge district court blocked a GOP-favored map, citing concerns that the proposal diluted the Black vote and demonstrated intentional discrimination.

Although state officials petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for an emergency ruling—hoping to pivot toward the 2023 legislative-approved map—the court has not granted that request as of Tuesday afternoon. Consequently, the special election for districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 will proceed under the court-approved configuration.

The Path to Election Day

With no runoff scheduled, the candidates who secure the most votes on August 11 will be declared the nominees. Notably, the new list of qualifiers confirms that Democrats will face no contested races in the primary.

Key Republican Contenders

The field remains crowded with familiar faces from the May 19 primary:

  • District 1: Former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (who led with 40% in May), State Rep. Rhett Marques (31%), Joshua McKee, John Mills, and Austin Sidwell.
  • District 2: Hampton Harris, Christian Horn, David Matthews, and James Richardson.
  • District 6: U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (who held 81% of the vote in May), Case Dixon, David W. Perry, and Clyde W. Jones Jr.

Democratic Slate

Democratic ballots will feature U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, Keith Pilkington, and U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell.