McKee Announces Switch to AL-02 in Special Primary Aug 11

Former Green Beret and political newcomer Joshua McKee has announced his intention to run for Congress in Alabama’s Second District in the August 11 Special Primary Election called by Governor Kay Ivey earlier today.

McKee had been a candidate in Alabama’s First District and was polling well in a crowded field. At least one other AL-1 candidate, Rhett Marques, has indicated that he would be moving to AL-2, as well.

In a statement to ALPolitics.com, McKee said:

“Today’s redistricting decision is a wake-up call for Alabama and the entire nation. While we fight for our state’s future, this moment has exposed a total lack of backbone from people like Rhett Marques. By refusing to vote for the new congressional districts, Marques didn't just fail a procedural vote—he turned his back on the people of Alabama. Our state deserves a 7-0 map and representatives who have the courage to stand with President Trump, not those who cower when it's time to take a stand.

“Alabama doesn't need more weak-kneed career politicians or Indiana-style RINOs who abandon President Trump when the stakes are highest. We need a warrior. That is why Joshua McKee is running for Congress in District 2. Unlike Rhett Marques, Joshua McKee is a fighter who will actually go to Washington to advance the America First agenda and protect our movement from those who seek to undermine it from within.

“President Donald J. Trump has shown us that America is strongest when we are united under one flag, not carved up into groups based on identity politics. We must reject the radical Left’s obsession with racial division and instead focus on the values that actually matter to Alabamians—from the Wiregrass to the Gulf Coast. Our families want safe communities, secure borders, and an end to the out-of-control inflation that is crushing the American dream.

“The choice is clear: we can continue with the status quo of "leadership" that refuses to fight, or we can send a true conservative to Washington. Joshua McKee is the candidate who will put America First and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to save our country.

“This outcome is a direct result of the groundwork laid during last week's special session. Thanks to Speaker Ledbetter and Pro Tem Gudger for their leadership throughout this process, which positioned us to move quickly the moment the Court acted.”

Under the schedule announced by Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday, the special primary election will take place Aug. 11, 2026, with no runoff election planned. The general election will still be held Nov. 3 alongside regularly scheduled statewide races.

Candidate qualifying will open May 20. Major party candidates must qualify by May 22 at 5 p.m., while independent and minor party candidates will have until Aug. 11 at 5 p.m. to file qualifying paperwork.

The regularly scheduled May 19 primary election will still proceed for all other federal, state and local races not affected by the congressional map changes.

Joshua McKee is a Green Beret Veteran and constitutional conservative running for Congress in his first political outing. He is dedicated to bringing America First, mission-focused leadership to Washington to secure the border and protect Alabama's values.

For more information, visit https://mckeeforcongress.com or follow his campaign on social media.