Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama
New AG candidate
Our favorite pastime of political prognosticating is now turning to the Alabama attorney general’s race in 2026. As you know, next year will see a complete turnover of statewide elected officials who are term-limited incumbents. Current AG Steve Marshall announced he is not running for governor (more on that below) but who is eyeing the AG spot? While Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey has announced she will seek the office, it’s widely believed Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell, though unannounced as of yet, will be the front runner. “Not so fast,” says one statewide election influencer. “I expect an announcement coming soon from a very prominent candidate with strong roots in Birmingham and direct connections to the mainline conservative crowd.” He purposefully added that this candidate “knows the job.”
‘Not joking’
Y’all, we keep hearing it again and again: U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville might be serious about running for governor of Alabama. Very serious, apparently. The latest is from a close source who insists, “He’s not joking. Tommy is seriously considering it. I think he’ll do it.” After AG Steve Marshall’s announcement he would not be seeking the governorship, many whispered it was because of a coming Tuberville candidacy. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who has been running an “8-year campaign for governor”, and Ag Commissioner Rick Pate are the other most well known likely candidates for the governor’s race. But, we hear there are at least a couple of very successful (read: monied) possible candidates eyeing a potential run as well.
Yarbrough committed to District 7
Last week, OTR ran an item claiming first-term State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, who represents Lawrence County along with parts of Morgan and Colbert counties, was considering a run against North Alabama Congressman Dale Strong. “Complete nonsense,” a Yarbrough confidant reported. “Ernie is committed to serving District 7 and the people of Alabama by fighting for fiscal responsibility, expanding school choice and public safety in the Legislature.”
Homecoming is coming!
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is getting ready to celebrate “Charger Spirit” during Homecoming 2025. In addition to “Paint the Town Blue”, movie nights, Service Saturday and white-out game days, we hear the university will soon be announcing even more events. Alabama’s “best value” university switched from a fall homecoming to basketball season for 2025; the festivities kick off Feb. 12 and run through the 15th.
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