Candidates' Qualifying Period in Alabama's 2026 Elections

Table of Contents

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The window for candidates from both the Republican and Democratic parties to qualify for the 2026 elections will open on Monday. This period is expected to play a significant role in shaping the political landscape as campaigns begin to take shape.

By law, any candidate running for office must either be affiliated with a political party or submit a petition to run as an independent. Additionally, candidates are required to have received more than $1,000 in donations or spend that amount on their campaign efforts.

Jeannie Burniston, representing the Alabama Republican Party, emphasized that this qualifying period offers voters an opportunity to learn more about the candidates running under the GOP banner.

"I think we have the best platform, I believe we have the best messaging, and I believe we speak for the values of the families of Alabama," she said.

On the other hand, Randy Kelley, chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, encouraged voters to focus on the values promoted by Democratic candidates.

"The population of Alabama should be woken up by now if they’re not. All of the gains that the Democratic Party has given the people are in jeopardy now," said Kelley.

Kelley pointed out that the Democratic Party has made progress in other states during the 2025 elections. He believes Alabama may soon follow this trend.

"Mayors of major cities, and Proposition Fifty in California, and a number of other places… but I think it’s time for a change," he said.

Burniston noted that voter turnout has been relatively low in recent years. She urged all voters to participate in the primary election on May 19 and support qualified candidates.

"They want their families to be safe, they want their elections to be secure," said Burniston. "And those are the issues that we stand for and that resonate with voters. So, I think that we’re going to be very successful in November."

The qualifying period for candidates will run from Monday, January 5, to Friday, January 23.

If you're interested in running for office and qualifying with the Republican Party, more information can be found here.

Josh Coleman, chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Party, explained that candidates can qualify in-person at the county level or online for state-level positions once the process is posted here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.