Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama
Marshall maintains momentum
Alabama Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Steve Marshall will be making the rounds in North Alabama next week. While U.S. Rep. Barry Moore’s entrance into the race grabbed plenty of headlines, Marshall is back in the spotlight with the launch of a “Statewide Finance Committee for Steve Marshall.” His campaign says the group, made up of business leaders from across Alabama, is proof of his broad support from figures who have helped shape the state’s economy. One veteran of Alabama’s politics tells us Marshall remains the “far and away favorite” as the GOP field gears up for the 2026 primary to succeed Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
Spears steps up
We’re hearing Madison City Councilwoman Connie Spears is preparing a major announcement. The timing comes just after Wayne Reynolds confirmed he will not seek reelection to the State School Board in District 8, which covers Madison, Limestone, Jackson, and DeKalb counties. Emily Jones, founder of the Madison County chapter of Moms for Liberty, is already in the race. One political watcher tells us Spears would immediately be considered the frontrunner, saying she brings “real experience” and is “known for her no-nonsense leadership” with respect that spans from the local to the state level.
Dolphins to drones
PDW’s ribbon-cutting this week wasn’t short on star power. Celebrity chef Robert Irvine, host of “Restaurant: Impossible,” was there, as was Matt Higgins, a “recurring shark” from ABC’s “Shark Tank.” But the figure who turned the most heads may have been Stephen Ross, billionaire developer, Miami Dolphins owner and a PDW investor. Ross didn’t take the podium, but when asked about Alabama, the business titan said he’s been to the state many times and has a particular fondness for Huntsville.
It’s turnout Tuesday
Municipal elections are just days away so mayoral and city council candidates will be out in full force this weekend securing last-minute votes ahead of Tuesday’s election. This is the first “odd year” elections for many of these cities as municipal elections in much of the state were moved to off years and away from the state and federal elections occurring in the even years. Insiders predict turnout on Tuesday will reach record lows – not only due to possible confusion over the change of years but also because so many races on local ballots are unopposed. Expect the winners to be those candidates who have the organization to turn their supporters in to voters on Tuesday.
