April 15 is traditionally known as the deadline to file your tax return. This time last year, Alabama political insiders had marked their calendars as that being the date that our 2026 political season would begin. It was thought that all of the thoroughbred horses would be at the gate to begin their races for the state’s four top political posts by April 15, 2025. Our Republican primary is our election in Alabama. Therefore, the election for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and one of our U.S. Senate seats will be on the ballot next year. It will be a very big year as the three top constitutional offices of Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General are incumbent-free. The big question is whether the U.S. Senate Race will be incumbent-free.

The horses are late getting to the gate. However, we will have a probable starting gate date of Memorial Day, May 26, for the horses to be in their chutes. This is the date for fundraising to begin for the May 2026 Primary Election.