OPINION: Who's Really Going to Pick Alabama's Next Governor?

Guest Opinion By Ken McFeeters, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate

Alabama's next governor won't be chosen by the people. That decision, it seems, is already being stitched together behind closed doors by one of three forces... or a combination of all three. Here's how the game is being played — and spoiler alert — it's not going to be the people of Alabama.

#1: The Media & DC Establishment

First up is the media-politico complex. The flood of press coverage surrounding Tommy Tuberville is almost laughable compared to the crickets given to other candidates. Add to that a line of Washington insiders giving out endorsements and swamp creatures tossing out six-figure checks and you start to see the fix is in.

If you're reading this, ask yourself: Do you trust the media? Do you trust DC? Do you trust the monied political class that's failed us for decades?

#2: The Lawyers

Let's talk about the elephant on the beach — literally. Tuberville owns a $5 million beachfront mansion in Florida. You tell me if that sounds like someone who's been a resident of Alabama for the last six years — the minimum required under the Alabama Constitution to serve as governor. I'm not blaming Tuberville. If most of us owned that place, we'd live there too.

But he didn't choose Orange Beach, Alabama — he chose Florida. And now insiders say half of his campaign war chest is being reserved to fight lawsuits about his residency. That's not the behavior of someone with nothing to hide — it's the strategy of someone hoping expensive lawyers can bend the rules. Because we all know it's not about what's right or legal anymore — it's about what you can afford to fight.

#3: The ALGOP Steering Committee

Here's where things get downright dangerous. If someone files a residency challenge with the Alabama Republican Party, the Candidate Committee will review it. But if they rule in Tuberville's favor — and insiders expect they will, despite the facts — things get murky. Because if Tuberville wins the primary and then a court kicks him off the ballot (which Democrats are already gearing up to push), the Republican Steering Committee — not the voters — gets to name his replacement.

That's right. The same party insiders who refused to act when they had the chance would suddenly be given full authority to handpick the Republican nominee for governor. That's not just a conflict of interest — that's a slap in the face to every Republican voter in Alabama.

And Democrats are loving it. Their plan? Let Tuberville win, watch the courts strike him down, then capitalize on the chaos. They're already whispering Doug Jones's name. Again.

Time to Fix the Bylaws

If the Alabama Republican Party wants to restore trust and avoid this disaster, it must fix the loophole. Here's a simple solution:

If the ALGOP Candidate Committee rules a candidate eligible, but a court later disqualifies them, the party must name the second-place primary finisher as the nominee — not some handpicked insider.

Let the people decide, not backroom deals.

Background on the Rules:

Under current Alabama Republican Party bylaws, residency challenges can be filed within days of qualifying. The Candidate Committee investigates, holds hearings, and rules on eligibility. If a disqualified candidate wins the primary and is later removed by the courts, the Steering Committee holds exclusive power to name their replacement — no runoff, no new vote, no public input.

It's time to end this insider game before it robs Alabama voters of their rightful voice.

About the Author: Ken McFeeters is a Republican candidate for Governor of Alabama. He is a former congressional candidate for Alabama's 6th District and past president of the Mid-Alabama Republican Club.

Opinions do not reflect the views and opinions of ALPolitics.com. ALPolitics.com makes no claims nor assumes any responsibility for the information and opinions expressed above.

The Bylaws of the Alabama Republican Party are available HERE.