Alabama Democrats Eye Legal Challenge to Tuberville’s Eligibility for Governor

Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Democratic Party is threatening a legal challenge to U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s eligibility should he run for governor, citing the state constitution’s residency requirements.

Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley issued a statement Tuesday following reports that Tuberville plans to seek the governorship next year.

“Today, Tommy Tuberville finally revealed the open secret that he is planning to run for governor of Alabama despite not living here,” Kelley stated. “His primary residence is in Florida.”

According to Section 117 of the Alabama Constitution, the governor must have been a resident of the state “at least seven years next before the date of their election.” The Democratic Party’s potential challenge appears to hinge on this constitutional provision.

Tuberville, who is currently serving his first term as Alabama’s junior U.S. Senator, moved to Florida in 2016 after retiring from his college coaching career.

The Senator’s office has not yet publicly commented on Kelley’s statement or the potential residency challenge.