Is Tommy Tuberville an Alabama resident? GOP candidate challenges status

The Alabama Republican Party will hold a hearing on June 14 on a challenge questioning whether U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville meets the state’s constitutional residency requirement to run for governor.

The challenge comes from former GOP primary candidate Ken McFeeters, who argues Tuberville has not been a resident of Alabama long enough under state law.

McFeeters said he was notified Monday that the Alabama GOP steering committee will take up his residency at an upcoming hearing.

He has filed multiple challenges and a lawsuit contesting Tuberville’s eligibility, all focused on whether the senator meets Alabama’s seven-year residency requirement for governor.

Alabama Constitutional Residency Requirement for Governor

Under the Alabama Constitution, candidates for governor must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizens for at least 10 years and residents of the state for at least seven years immediately before the election.

The dispute centers on whether Tuberville has maintained continuous Alabama residency under that standard.

Tommy Tuberville’s Campaign response

Tuberville, a former Auburn University football coach who moved to Alabama in 1999, has said he meets all eligibility requirements.

His campaign has released redacted federal tax returns covering multiple years in response to McFeeters’ claims.

Campaign chair Jordan Doufexis said the evidence will show Tuberville has long met the state’s residency threshold.

“We will submit a comprehensive response… demonstrating that he is a resident citizen of Alabama,” Doufexis said, adding the campaign is confident in its legal position.

Questions about Florida ties and past records

Tuberville’s residency has faced scrutiny for years, including reports citing ties outside Alabama.

Those reports have referenced a Florida driver’s license that remained active until 2023 and voting activity in Florida in 2018. Tuberville has pointed to Alabama property records and a homestead exemption tied to his family as evidence of residency.

McFeeters has also cited travel and expense records he says show Tuberville frequently traveled outside Alabama during the period in question.

The Alabama GOP previously rejected McFeeters’ residency challenge in February, allowing Tuberville to remain on the ballot.

Tuberville went on to win the Republican primary on May 19 with about 85% of the vote, easily defeating McFeeters and other challengers.

What happens if Tuberville is found ineligible?

If the committee were to rule against Tuberville, McFeeters could potentially become the Republican nominee for governor in the November general election. 

He would then face Democratic nominee Doug Jones.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.