Qualifying for federal, state and local elected offices begins in January
Soon after the calendar changes to 2026, Alabama residents wanting to run for federal, state or local office will see the short qualifying window open.
The Alabama Democratic Party and Alabama Republican Party will open qualifying for federal and state office on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Candidate qualifying will close at 5 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2026.
The Franklin County Democratic Party will follow these qualifying dates for Franklin County residents wanting to run for local office in the May 19, 2026, primary elections.
Local parties may set their own window for qualifying, but that window must close no later than the January 23rd state and federal deadline.
In addition to electing a new United States Senator, Alabamians will elect all U.S. Representatives, and state offices including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, Secretary of State, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, state treasurer, state auditor, State Board of Education Seats 2,4,6 and 8, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Places 7 and 8, Court of Civil Appeals Justices Place 4,5, Court of Criminal Appeals Justices Place 4, 5, and Public Service Commission Places 1 and 2.
Alabama voters will also decide all 105 State House seats and 35 State Senate seats next year.
Franklin County offices on the 2026 Primary Election Ballot (May 19, 2026) and general election ballot (November 3, 2026) include sheriff, coroner, revenue commissioner, Franklin County Board of Education District Three and Franklin County Commission District One (special election to finish term).
Declarations of Candidacy must be filed with the state party chair for candidates seeking federal or state office, circuit or district or legislative office, and with the county party chair in all county races. Qualifying fees for the party primaries are set at the local level for county level candidates.
Republicans hold every Franklin County elected office, as well as all state-level offices. Franklin County voters are represented by Republicans in House District 18 and Senate District 6.
Primary runoff elections are set for June 16, 2026.