Qualifying for 2026 May Primary underway

Qualifying is officially open for candidates running in the May 19, 2026, Republican and Democratic Primary elections.

Glenn Garrison, Franklin County Republican Executive Committee Chairman, issued a press release last week announcing the Franklin County REC will begin accepting applications and qualifying papers beginning on January 5, 2026 for candidates running in the local county primary.

Rick Neighbors, Chairman of the Franklin County Democratic Executive Committee, said qualifying to run in Democratic local primary is also underway as of January 5, 2026.

Candidates seeking election to the following offices should file their qualifying papers with the appropriate local party chairman: Franklin County Sheriff, Franklin County Revenue Commissioner, Franklin County Coroner,  Franklin County Board of Education District 3 and Franklin County Commission District 1.

All other candidates running for the following elected offices must qualifying with their respective state party committees: United States Senate, Lieutenant Governor, Governor, Secretary of State.

Garrison provided the following email address for those wanting to qualifying in local Republican primary offices: AlabamaGGG-33gop@yahoo.com. 

Garrison said a personal interview with a ‘historical background check’ will be conducted, going back up to six years, and will be reviewed by the Elections Subcommittee for qualification.

Neighbors said the local Democratic Party is also looking for candidates, one male and one female, to run for the Alabama State Democratic Executive Committee  for House District 18.

“These positions give our county a direct voice in shaping the direction of the state party,” Garrison said. “When the right people step into these roles, people who show up, stay engaged, and care about the long-term health of our community, we strengthen our ability to influence decisions that affect us here at home,” Neighbors said. “This is a chance to help lead our county and our district toward the future we want to build.”

Running for the State Democratic Executive Committee for House District 18 requires paying a $50 qualifying fee. One male and one female may be elected per House District. 

In the event of multiple candidates seeking the state committee positions, the candidate receiving the highest vote count will win—no runoff election for these positions, Neighbors said.

You can reach Neighbors via email at neighborsrick@gmail.com.