Wiregrass Entrepreneur “Chig” Martin Announces 2026 Gubernatorial Run in Alabama

ENTERPRISE, AL (BuzzReport) – The race for Alabama’s next governor is heating up with the official entrance of Chad “Chig” Martin, a moderate Democrat from the Wiregrass region, into the 2026 election. Martin, a self-described “guitar-toting, fedora-wearing, hemp-selling entrepreneur,” is setting his sights on Montgomery, hoping to bring a fresh perspective and a focus on high-tech industry to the state.

Martin is no stranger to the political arena. He ran for governor in 2022, entering the race at the last minute and still managing to garner nearly 10,000 votes in the Democratic primary. He says that experience provided invaluable lessons.

“The last campaign helped me understand what was needed in the areas of staff, resources, and simply how to work with all walks of people in an effective way,” Martin stated. “The knowledge I gained is paying off in big ways early in this campaign cycle.”

According to Martin, his campaign’s Facebook page, “Chad ‘Chig’ Martin for Governor 2026,” has seen significant growth, boasting over 22,000 subscribers. He credits this to a “Citizens Driven Movement,” where supporters are actively participating in the campaign.

Martin’s platform focuses on several key areas. He aims to attract high-tech industries to Alabama, offering well-paying jobs with comprehensive benefits to address healthcare challenges without relying on government subsidies. He also advocates for universal healthcare access for all K-12 public school students, regardless of socioeconomic status.

A significant plank of Martin’s platform is the decriminalization of all-natural products, including cannabis. “It is a shame that our citizens are being pushed to an unsafe black market with fentanyl so prevalent,” he stated. He also supports the implementation of a state lottery, pointing to its success in neighboring states and its potential to fund improvements in Alabama’s educational infrastructure.

In addition to economic and healthcare policies, Martin emphasized his belief in free medical choices, stating that “the privacy of our citizens and their relationship with their doctors is sacred ground and that the state should not have any business in the matter.”

He also outlined plans to improve veterans’ affairs and animal welfare, stimulate the economy with four gaming and family-friendly entertainment zones strategically located throughout the state, and enhance security measures in public schools. Martin emphasized his commitment to bipartisanship, believing he can work effectively with both parties to achieve progress for Alabama.

A 1986 graduate of Enterprise High School, where he excelled in athletics and earned a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 1991. He has since had a successful career as a businessman, with his daughter now running the day-to-day operations while he serves in a support role.

“This will be my second and final attempt for office in Alabama and I want to know that I have given it everything that I have on behalf of the people that support me,” Martin said.

Republicans Tommy Tuberville and Ken McFeeters have also announced their candidacies. While Martin is currently the only Democrat in the race, he anticipates that the field will expand in the coming weeks.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026. The race is sure to be a closely watched contest as Alabamians look to the future of the state.