By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
DALE COUNTY — Voters in Dale County and across the entire state will head to the polls on May 19 for the 2026 primary elections, with crowded Republican and Democratic ballots featuring candidates for statewide, federal, and local legislative offices.
In addition to high-profile races for governor and U.S. Senate, local voters will also weigh in on contested legislative seats, including Alabama House District 93 and Senate District 29.
Governor’s race highlights Democratic field
On the Democratic ballot, six candidates are seeking the party’s nomination for governor, including former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, educator Yolanda Flowers, and former state Rep. Nathan Mathis.
Jones has centered his campaign on economic opportunity and expanding access to health care and education, saying he wants to “fight for working families across Alabama.”
Other Democratic candidates include Will Boyd, Ja’Mel Brown, and Chad “Chig” Martin.
On the Republican side, the race includes several candidates, led by U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who enters the contest with strong statewide recognition and support.
Lieutenant Governor Race
Republican voters will choose among several candidates for lieutenant governor, including Secretary of State Wes Allen, Nicole Wadsworth, and Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl.
Allen has emphasized his experience in statewide office, pointing to what he describes as a consistent conservative record.
Democrats Phillip Ensler and Darryl P Perryman are competing for their party’s nomination.
Legislative Races Bring Local Focus to the Dale County Area
While statewide races draw much of the attention, local legislative contests are expected to be especially relevant for Dale County voters.
In Alabama Senate District 29, incumbent Republican Donnie Chesteen is seeking reelection. A former high school football coach and longtime legislator, Chesteen has represented the district since 2019 after serving in the Alabama House of Representatives.
Chesteen has built his platform around conservative values and rural representation, frequently emphasizing support for education, agriculture, and local communities in Southeast Alabama.
As of the latest available information, no major primary challenger has emerged in the district, positioning Chesteen as a strong favorite heading into the election.
In Alabama House District 93, the Republican primary features incumbent Steve Clouse, who has served in the State House for over three decades, andchallenger “Stormin” Norman Horton, a newcomer to statewide politics.
Clouse, who has served in the Alabama House for multiple terms, has focused his legislative work on economic development and fiscal responsibility.
Horton, a well-known figure in local politics, has campaigned on increasing government transparency and strengthening conservative policies at the state level.
On the Democratic side, Klenton B. Smith is listed as a candidate for House District 93.
U.S. Senate and congressional races
Both parties feature multiple candidates in the race for U.S. Senate. Republicans include Attorney General Steve Marshall and U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, along with several other contenders.
Democratic candidates include Dakarai Larriett, Kyle Sweetser, Everett Wess, and Mark Wheeler II.
In Alabama’s 1st Congressional District, incumbent Jerry Carl faces several challengers in the Republican primary, while Democrats have also fielded candidates.
STATEWIDE OFFICES AND AMENDMENTS
Additional statewide races on the Republican ballot include Secretary of State, with candidates Caroleene Dobson, Christopher Christian Horn, and Glenda S. Jackson, as well as contests for state treasurer, auditor, and commissioner of agriculture and industries.
The Public Service Commission races also feature multiple candidates across two seats.
Voters will also decide on two proposed statewide constitutional amendments. One would expand the list of offenses for which judges may deny bail, while the second would prohibit reducing a district attorney’s compensation during their term in office.
LOCAL RACES VARY BY DISTRICT
Officials note that some races will vary depending on precinct and district boundaries. Voters are encouraged to review their sample ballots ahead of Election Day to confirm which contests apply to them.
ELECTION INFORMATION
The Alabama primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. Polls will be open during standard voting hours across Dale County (7AM-7PM).
With a mix of high-profile statewide contests and impactful local legislative races, the primary is expected to play a key role in shaping Alabama’s political landscape heading into the general election this fall.
The Dale County Chronicle will be featuring interviews with the top polling candidates in each race, so stay tuned for those special interviews. We will also provide sample ballots for your perusal so you can make the most informed choices. We will also keep a countdown to election day along with other deadlines, such as the last day to register to vote, on our news page. Be sure to follow The Dale County Chronicle to stay up-to-date on the latest election-related news.
