Numerous North Alabama business leaders are taking on a major role in U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s 2026 campaign for governor.
Tuberville (R-Auburn) on Wednesday announced his campaign finance committee, highlighting a roster that includes several prominent executives and entrepreneurs from across North Alabama, led by Cullman native Chad Witcher as chairman.
Witcher, co-founder and partner of Synergi Partners, one of the nation’s largest tax incentive firms, will chair the committee as Tuberville prepares for the May 19 Republican primary and the Nov. 3 general election.
North Alabama representation on the committee includes:
- Chad Witcher of Cullman, co-founder and partner of Synergi Partners (Chairman)
- Terry Anderson of Florence, chairman and CEO of American Promotional Events, known for TNT Fireworks
- Bill Bailey of Arab, CEO of Radiance Technologies
- Louis Breland of Huntsville, president and CEO of the Breland Companies
- Randy Jones of Albertville, founder of Randy Jones & Associates
- Chester McKinney Jr. of Muscle Shoals, chairman of McCo Inc.
- Steve Thornton of Priceville, CEO and president of Monte Sano Research Corporation
The concentration of North Alabama leaders underscores the region’s growing influence in statewide political and economic circles, particularly in industries such as defense, research, healthcare, real estate and manufacturing.
“I learned back when I was coaching that you are only as good as the team around you,” Tuberville said in a statement announcing the committee. “I’m honored to have some of the most successful business owners from across Alabama serving on my campaign finance committee. Their generosity, commitment to our mission, and deep relationships across Alabama have put us in the position to earn the Republican nomination in May and to beat Doug Jones again in November.”
According to recent campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office, Tuberville’s campaign reports more than $7.5 million cash on hand. Democrat Doug Jones, who has also entered the race, reports less than $900,000.
In addition to its North Alabama members, Tuberville’s statewide campaign finance committee includes:
Kyle Burt of Vance; Adam Clayton of Birmingham; Nathan Cox of Daphne; Reid Dove of Dothan; Krystal Drummond of Mountain Brook; Lee Edwards of Mountain Brook; Norman Estes of Tuscaloosa; Elliot Maisel of Mobile; Jim McLane of Vestavia; Robbie Pike of Vestavia; Bill Scott of Auburn; Gibson Vance of Montgomery; Dr. Jordan Vaughn of Birmingham; and Will Wilson of Montgomery.
Tuberville, a former Auburn University head football coach first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020, is seeking the governor’s office in 2026.
The campaign says the finance committee will focus on fundraising efforts ahead of what is expected to be one of Alabama’s most closely watched statewide races.
