Candidate Field Set for 2026 Jackson County Elections

The qualifying period for the 2026 election cycle officially has closed, finalizing the list of candidates who will appear on local and state ballots in Jackson County.

With qualification now complete, several races have already been decided due to a lack of opposition, while others are shaping up to be competitive primary contests — and at least one general election matchup is already set.

Competitive Primary Races Ahead

Several county offices drew multiple candidates and will first be decided in the Primary Election on May 19, 2026.

Jackson County Board of Education, District 4

Incumbent Robbie King will face challenger Josh Fralick.

Jackson County Commission Chairman

Incumbent Bill Nance will face Zach Talley in a two-candidate primary for the county’s top elected administrative position.

Jackson County Commission, District 1

Incumbent Chris Gulley will face David Blizzard and John Braden Peacock in a three-candidate race. Because more than two candidates qualified, this contest could require a runoff.

Jackson County Coroner

Incumbent John David Jordan will face challenger Tony Lee Watson.

Jackson County Sheriff (Republican Primary)

A four-candidate field qualified for the Republican nomination:

• Craig Holcomb

• Eric Woodall

• Tony Baker

• Bradley Talley

Due to the crowded field, this race is widely expected to require a runoff if no candidate secures a majority of the vote.

State-Level Contest: Senate District 8

At the state level, voters will see a contested race in Alabama Senate District 8. Republican incumbent Senator Steve Livingston will face Democratic nominee Katie Kramer in the November 3, 2026 General Election.

Unopposed Candidates Secure Terms

A number of incumbents will remain in office after no challengers qualified for their positions. Although their names will still appear on the ballot, they will not face opposition.

Those candidates include:

• House District 22 — Ritchie Whorton

• House District 23 — Mike Kirkland

• Jackson County Revenue Commissioner — Jeff Arnold

• Jackson County Board of Education District 3 — Chad Gorham

• Jackson County Commission District 2 — Paul Kennamer

• Jackson County Circuit Judge, Place 2 — Brent Benson

• Jackson County District Judge — Matt Mitchell

Possible Runoffs

If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote in the primary, a runoff election will be held on June 16, 2026.

At least two races could advance to a runoff based on the number of candidates currently qualified.

Historically, runoff elections often see significantly lower voter turnout compared to initial primaries. Election officials encourage voters to stay informed and participate in all stages of the election process.

What Voters Need to Know

With the candidate list finalized, campaigns are expected to become more visible across Jackson County in the coming weeks as candidates begin meeting voters and outlining their priorities.

Voters will head to the polls three times during the 2026 election cycle:

• May 19, 2026 — Primary Election

• June 16, 2026 — Runoff (if necessary)

• November 3, 2026 — General Election

Residents are encouraged to verify their voter registration status, polling location, and voting options by visiting:

myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview