“Chig” Martin Responds to Jones Entry into Governor’s Race
“Democrats will have to decide” if they want to repeat the past or let a new face challenge Tuberville
Alabama Democratic candidate for Governor Chad “Chig” Martin has responded to Doug Jones’ entry into the race on Monday, following several days of speculation that Jones was going to do so.
“The Chad “Chig” Martin campaign looks forward to competing against Doug Jones in the Democratic Primary for Governor of Alabama,” Martin told ALPolitics.com. “We believe that competitive races are best for Alabamians. Doug Jones won by a thin margin against Roy Moore (who was riddled with allegations) to win the U.S. Senate special election in 2017. In 2020 when running for a full six year term, he lost to retired football coach Tommy Tuberville by an approximate 60-40 margin.”
Martin went on, saying, “Alabama Democrats will have to decide if they want to continue repeating the same thing over and over with likely similar results, or let a younger and more innovative candidate stand toe to toe with Tuberville and create new energy within the base. Additionally, with politics as polarized as they have become, it is imperative that young, old, Democrat, Independent, and even moderate Republicans support someone with the enthusiasm and intention to unite the State.”
Chad “Chig” Martin is an Enterprise High School graduate and former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football player, where he earned a criminal justice degree in 1991. A longtime entrepreneur, he founded Thunder Industrial Supply Company and later opened Honeysuckle Hemp Company in Dothan, Alabama’s first hemp dispensary. His grassroots network, which he calls “The Citizens-Driven Movement,” has grown to more than 31,000 followers.
Martin’s platform centers on decriminalizing natural medicines following the passage of HB445, while also expanding Medicaid and broadening access to naturopathic care. He supports allowing natural treatment options to be covered by insurance and creating rural health hubs to ease strain on crowded emergency rooms.
His economic plan focuses on infrastructure for roads, broadband, and wastewater systems, paired with efforts to strengthen agriculture, expand agritourism, and recruit high-tech employers. Martin emphasizes long-term job creation, trade-school training, and new opportunities in the Black Belt through improved roads, bridges, and industry recruitment.
He also backs stronger enforcement of pollution and dumping laws, better funding for regulatory agencies, and statewide spay/neuter access to reduce stray animal populations. Martin supports an education lottery to help fund early learning, scholarships, and technical training. He has proposed creating four entertainment and gaming zones across the State to grow tourism while expanding access to arts, recreation, and family-friendly attractions.
Outside public life, Martin’s daughter, Anna, helps operate the family businesses. He spends his free time fishing on the Gulf Coast or hunting in Barbour County, and says his goal is to improve quality of life for all Alabamians.
Voters can connect with Chad 'Chig' Martin directly on Facebook at Chad Chig Martin for Governor 2026, where he hosts live Q&A sessions, directly by email at Connect@chadchigmartin.com, or learn more at ChadChigMartin.com.
