2025 - 2026 Alabama Policy Playbook
With football season in full swing and Alabama's Legislative Session on the horizon (Jan. 13), the Peritus PR team is here to "coach" you to success. Our Alabama Policy Playbook is a glimpse into the “Xs and Os” of the state’s socio-political landscape, a resource for leaders moving Alabama forward.
THE GRIDIRON: A Local Perspective
“The medium is the message.”
Alabama's home turf is characterized by deep conservative roots, pride of independence and pragmatic economic development. Understanding Alabama’s cultural conservatism is crucial. Successful advocacy often requires framing issues in terms of traditional values, economic freedom and state sovereignty.
Identifying the right channels and spokespersons is just as important as crafting a compelling narrative. It’s not just what you say, but how.
Demonstrated strength in agriculture and manufacturing is coupled with accelerated growth in aerospace, engineering and technology, modernizing the state’s economy. Cities like Huntsville in the north and Mobile in the south have emerged as economic powerhouses, while rural areas continue facing challenges like access to broadband.
Alabama's business climate remains a strength, with local chambers of commerce and business advocacy groups calling the plays. The state's political geography reflects a classic urban-rural divide, but with important nuances. While the Republican Party dominates statewide elections, there are pockets of Democratic strength, primarily in urban areas and the Black Belt region, named for its rich soil that fueled the state’s agriculture industry.
FUMBLE, INTERCEPTION, TOUCHDOWN: The Issues
HEALTHCARE
Alabama is home to globally renowned medical and research institutions, but rural hospital closures are on the rise. Alabama has not expanded Medicaid, contributing to the state’s inconsistent patchwork of healthcare access. Healthcare is an increasingly urgent issue on both sides of the aisle, but potential solutions are politically divisive.
EDUCATION
One of only a few states that have separate education and general budgets, Alabama has been on a mission to improve student performance. In the past several years, new interventions have included school vouchers and holdback mandates attached to test scores.
SOCIAL ISSUES
Alabama’s deep-rooted conservative values have also led in recent years to efforts seeking to retract DEI policies and protections for LGBTQ people, primarily affecting schools, libraries and government agencies. Additionally, technology regulation, especially for children, has taken the field, causing some lawmakers to throw a flag on the play for Big Tech.
MVPs: Key Leadership
Gov. Kay Ivey
Alabama’s Republican Party maintains possession of the ball, with a commanding stronghold across federal and state offices, including both chambers of the state legislature. Gov. Kay Ivey is in the twilight of her second and final term, so the clock is ticking for her administration to galvanize its legacy.
Sen. Garlan Gudger
Key players include Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger, who was elected unanimously by his peers. The Pro Tem spot was left open following the cabinet appointment of Gudger’s predecessor, Secretary Greg Reed, who now leads the charge for one of the state’s most pressing issues as the inaugural secretary of workforce.
Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter
In the House, Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter is the team captain, also elected unanimously by his peers on both sides of the aisle in 2023. He also serves as the chair of the Council of State Governments Southern Office, extending his influence across state lines.
THE DRAFT: Election Season
While 2025 has been a big year for local elections, including a new mayor in Alabama’s port city of Mobile, 2026 promises to bring big change. As our quarterback Gov. Kay Ivey finishes her second term, the state’s senior senator, Tommy Tuberville, is likely to sub in, leaving his seat on the bench vacant for a walk-on to be determined via special election.
2026 “Season” Schedule
Jan. 13, 2026 — Legislative Session Begins
April 27, 2026 — Legislative Session Ends*
May 19, 2026 — Primary Election Day
June 16, 2026 — Primary Election Runoff
Nov. 3, 2026 — General Election Day
*Session may end sooner, but no later than April 27, 2026.
The Senate special election is already heating up. Declared candidates include Congressman Barry Moore and state Attorney General Steve Marshall, who polling shows is leading the pack. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, a household name in Alabama, is also considering a run.
With a Republican supermajority, primaries are the elections to watch in Alabama. Recent redistricting and legislative interventions to protect election integrity will continue to shape elections in Alabama, likely impacting voter turnout and outcomes.
OUR PUBLISHED BY PERITUS TAKEAWAY is this…
PERITUS public relations champions issues that move our region forward. We believe that when the stakes are high, communication matters. That’s why we leverage our unique skill sets and networks to increase our clients’ reach, influence and impact.
We identify, equip and mobilize advocates to connect the dots for policymakers and facilitate lasting change.
Need a game plan? Tell us what’s keeping you up at night.