Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama
Redistricting rows
Keep an eye on Alabama’s ongoing redistricting battles – the ripple effects could be far bigger than most people realize. After the U.S. Supreme Court forced the state to draw a new Black opportunity district in 2023, Alabama has been fighting challenges to its congressional lines, state Senate districts, and even county commission maps under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. But an upcoming Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Callais could upend the entire landscape. If Section 2 is rolled back, lawmakers would likely be required to redraw the congressional map as early as summer 2026. Meanwhile, legislative leaders are already preparing: Sen. Garlan Gudger has filed a bill allowing Gov. Kay Ivey to set special primaries as late as August for any redrawn districts.
Primary polls peek
Politicos and insiders hungry for early poll numbers got their wish this week as some poll results began circulating around the state. The results show tight races in all four statewide campaigns polled – with huge blocks of undecided voters in each – which is to be expected this early in the campaign with no incumbents running. Notably, this is the first poll insiders have seen that includes former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron in the lieutenant governor’s race. He narrowly leads that field with 22% of the vote with Wes Allen right behind at 20% and Rick Pate with 5%. In the hotly contested attorney general’s race, Jay Mitchell leads with 15% to Pamela Casey’s 10% and Katherine Robertson with 6%. In the secretary of state’s race, Caroleen Dobson leads Andrew Sorrell 22% to 19% and, in the Public Service Commission 1 race, Jeremy Oden leads Matt Gentry 19% to 17%. Of course, the real race at this point in the campaign is the campaign cash to woo those large blocks of undecided voters.
Riley Green for Tuberville
Sen. Tommy Tuberville was back in Madison County this week as part of his campaign for governor and he brought a special guest. Tuberville held a fundraising reception at the home of Louis and Patti Breland Wednesday night featuring country music singer Riley Green. Tuberville and Green posed for pictures with reception hosts before Riley took the mic to sing a few of his hits to the crowd. We aren’t sure if the former Jax State QB was a hit, but the fundraiser apparently scored by raising another $500K for Tuberville’s campaign for governor.
Do you igloo?
Toyota Field is getting a holiday glow-up with the debut of the Trash Pandas Christmas Light Show, a brand-new walk-through experience that turns the ballpark into a full-on winter wonderland. Fans can wander through sparkling displays, sip festive drinks, and make a whole night of it, especially if they spring for one of the themed “Enchanted Igloos.” Each private igloo seats six and comes with beanies, hot chocolate, drink vouchers, and a charcuterie board, with themes ranging from Frozen to Ski Lodge to full Trash Pandas swagger. It’s a clever way to add something new to the local holiday lineup. And while the igloo experience isn’t exactly cheap, it does come with bragging rights as Madison’s coziest splurge this season.
