Who’s running in Alabama’s May 19 primary? A voter guide to every statewide race

Alabama voters head to the polls this Tuesday for the 2026 primary election. If you are planning to cast your ballot, make sure to head out between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. when polling locations are open statewide.

Prepare for Election Day

Not sure where to go? You can find your polling place on the Secretary of State’s website before heading out. Our 205focus.com voter guide features all nine statewide races, including high-stakes contests for governor, U.S. Senate, and attorney general. Use the dropdown menu in our interactive guide to dive into candidate backgrounds and their primary goals for the state.

Beyond Statewide Races

Your ballot goes beyond just the big-ticket items. Depending on your home district, you will also see congressional, state legislative, and local races. You can view sample ballots for every Alabama county to ensure you are ready, and check our full 205focus.com election guide for additional insights.

If you are having trouble viewing the voter guide, click here to access it directly.

Key Election Details

Once the polls close on Tuesday, keep it locked to 205focus.com for the latest updates. You can track the returns as they come in on our Election Results page. Please note that if a candidate fails to secure more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election is scheduled for June 16, leading up to the general election on Nov. 3.

A Note on Congressional Districts

Voters should be aware that a special election for U.S. House Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 is set for Aug. 11. While votes cast this Tuesday in those specific districts will be recorded, they will not be certified. However, all other races on your ballot will proceed as normal, so your participation remains vital.

If you reside in Districts 3, 4, or 5, your primary remains unaffected. You can look up your specific congressional district via the Secretary of State’s portal to confirm your status.