Alabama Voters Head to Polls for 2026 Midterm Senate Election

Voters across Alabama are heading to the polls today, November 3, 2026, to participate in the midterm elections. Among the most closely watched races is the contest for the U.S. Senate seat, which became open after incumbent Senator Tommy Tuberville announced his candidacy for governor of Alabama.

The race for the upper chamber features two primary candidates: Republican Barry Moore and Democrat Everett Wess. Moore, who currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Alabama’s first congressional district, secured the Republican nomination after defeating several opponents in the primary. His campaign received significant support from high-profile figures, including President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.

Everett Wess, an attorney and former judge, is the Democratic candidate for the Senate seat. Wess, who has managed the Wess Law Firm in Birmingham since 2001, advanced to the general election after winning the Democratic primary runoff against businessman Dakarai Larriett. Throughout his career, Wess has pursued multiple public offices, positioning himself as the standard-bearer for his party in this cycle.

The candidates have taken different approaches to their campaigns. While Moore has focused on his experience in the House of Representatives and his alignment with the GOP establishment, Wess has emphasized his legal background and judicial experience. Despite requests for interviews from local media, the Moore campaign did not arrange a sit-down discussion during the final weeks of the race, whereas Wess participated in media outreach efforts.

As the state prepares for the final vote count, students in some regions have engaged in the democratic process through educational initiatives. At Hanceville Middle School, students participated in a mock election to learn about ballot procedures, including the requirement to present identification. While these results are not official, the exercise provided a practical look at how the midterm elections function in practice.

Polls in Alabama are scheduled to remain open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. Election officials have reminded residents that the deadline for voter registration passed on October 19. With the seat currently held by Senator Tuberville up for grabs, the outcome of this race will determine a significant shift in Alabama’s representation in Washington, D.C.