Tuberville residency challenge appealed to Alabama Supreme Court

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Plaintiffs have appealed to the Alabama Supreme Court after a circuit judge last week dismissed their lawsuit against Republican gubernatorial candidate Tommy Tuberville.

The suit argues Tuberville does not meet the Alabama Constitution’s eligibility requirements to serve as governor.

In the appeal filing, plaintiff’s attorney Barry Ragsdale said the issue is “whether the circuit court had subject matter jurisdiction to hear Plaintiffs’ claims.”

It is unclear when the Alabama Supreme Court will rule.

Montgomery County Circuit Judge Brooke Reid ruled July 9 that the court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case.

The plaintiffs, two Alabama voters, claim Tuberville’s primary residence is in Florida and argue he does not meet the constitutional requirement that candidates for governor be Alabama residents for at least seven years before the general election.

On June 29, Tuberville’s legal team and the plaintiffs argued the case in Montgomery County Circuit Court.

Tuberville previously cleared a challenge from fellow Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken McFeeters.

The Alabama GOP Candidate Committee unanimously ruled Tuberville is qualified to run for governor, citing documentation including an Alabama driver’s license, voting record and tax returns.

Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!