By Brian Lyman | Editor
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Former President Donald Trump speaks at a fundraiser for the Alabama Republican Party on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 in Montgomery, Ala. (Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Anna Barrett
President Donald Trump plans to hold a rally in Mobile on Friday, the site of his first staidum-sized rally as a presidential candidate in Aug. 2015. The president, whose popularity is low nationally, has seen weakening of his approval in Alabama, though he remains popular with Republican voters. The rally is taking place in Alabama’s 1st Congressional District, considered solidly Republican.
U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile (third from left, in blue shirt) addresses a crowd attending the All Roads Lead to the South rally in Montgomery, Alabama on May 16, 2026. (Andi Rice for Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Ralph Chapooco
Republicans remain the heavy favorites in most state races this November. But several GOP candidates have voiced concerns that Democratic enthusiasm and GOP apathy could help Democrats in the elections. While GOP turnout in the May primary was flat compared to four years ago, Democrats saw a surge in voting following Republican efforts to redraw the state’s congressional map. That could help Democrats in contested local races.
Students walk to class at Collinsville Elementary School in Collinsville, Alabama on Feb. 10, 2026. (Eric Schultz for Alabama Reflector)
EDUCATION
By Andrea Tinker
The CHOOSE Act is an effective voucher program providing up to $7,000 in tax credits per child for non-public school expenses, like private school tuition. With the program scheduled to go universal next year amid what could be a difficult education budget, candidates have different ideas about its future. A recent poll showed Alabamians divided over the program, though a plurality said the state spent too much on vouchers.
ICYMI
Commentary: The grocery tax must go. But Alabama’s tax system needs a complete overhaul. | Brian Lyman, Alabama Reflector
Tuberville, Britt relaunch attacks on transgender Americans | Andrea Tinker, Alabama Reflector
Alabama State Employees Insurance Board approves first premium increase in 11 years | Andrea Tinker, Alabama Reflector
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