January 27, 2026
GOP candidate challenges Tuberville's Alabama residency in governor race
Senate expense records show repeated Florida travel, minimal Auburn visits
🗳️Elections🏛️Government
GOP candidate Ken McFeeters filed a formal challenge on Jan. 27, 2026, to Sen. Tommy Tuberville's eligibility to run for Alabama governor. McFeeters argued that Tuberville doesn't meet the Alabama Constitution's requirement that governor candidates be Alabama residents for seven consecutive years before the election. The challenge was filed with the Alabama Republican Party. The deadline for challenges is Jan. 30, 2026, at noon.
Tuberville owns a $270,000 home in Auburn, Alabama, where he claims a homestead exemption. The homestead exemption is a property tax break available only to primary residents. Tuberville also owns a $4-6 million beach home in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The Florida property is substantially more valuable than the Auburn property. Property records show both homes.
The Auburn house was initially purchased by Tuberville's wife Suzanne and son Tucker in 2017. Tuberville's name was added to the deed later. Both homes were recently put in a revocable trust with Suzanne Tuberville as trustee. McFeeters argues the property ownership timeline raises questions about when Tuberville established Alabama residency and whether it's been continuous for seven years.
Senate expense records and political action committee filings show 'repeated and sustained travel to and from Florida, with minimal evidence of regular travel to or from Auburn.' The travel patterns suggest Tuberville spends significant time in Florida. McFeeters presented these records as evidence that Tuberville's primary residence is Florida, not Alabama.
Tuberville switched his voter registration from Florida to Alabama in 2019. He last voted in Florida on Nov. 6, 2018. The timing of the voter registration change coincided with his 2020 Alabama Senate campaign. Tuberville had lived in Florida after retiring from college football coaching. He coached at Auburn from 1999 to 2008 before moving to other coaching jobs.
A 2017 ESPN video shows Tuberville discussing moving to Florida after retiring from coaching. The video predates his Senate run and Alabama voter registration. Similar accusations surfaced during his 2020 Senate race when opponents called him a 'Florida man' and a 'tourist in Alabama.' Tuberville won the Senate seat despite those attacks.
The Senate residency requirement is minimal. Senators only need to be inhabitants of their state when elected, which courts have interpreted as basically one day. The governor requirement is much stricter at seven consecutive years. Legal experts noted the Alabama Constitution language is vague about what constitutes residency but said 'Alabama's culture is suspicious of outsiders.'
Tuberville's campaign called the challenge a 'ridiculous PR stunt from desperate candidate.' The campaign didn't provide detailed documentation of Tuberville's Alabama residency timeline or address the travel records. Tuberville is a front-runner in the Republican gubernatorial primary. Multiple candidates are competing for the nomination.
🗳️Elections🏛️Government
People, bills, and sources
Tommy Tuberville
U.S. Senator from Alabama (R)
Ken McFeeters
GOP Gubernatorial Candidate
Suzanne Tuberville
Tommy Tuberville's Wife
What you can do
1
civic action
Contact Alabama Republican Party to demand residency documentation
The Alabama GOP will decide whether to investigate McFeeters' challenge. Demand they require Tuberville to provide detailed residency documentation before the Jan. 30 deadline.
Hi, I'm calling to demand the Alabama Republican Party investigate Ken McFeeters' residency challenge against Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
Key points to mention:
- Alabama Constitution requires seven consecutive years Alabama residency for governor candidates
- Tuberville owns a $4-6 million Florida beach home and $270,000 Auburn home
- Senate records show repeated Florida travel with minimal Auburn visits
- Tuberville switched voter registration from Florida to Alabama in 2019
- The challenge deadline is Jan. 30, 2026, at noon
Questions to ask:
- What investigation will the Alabama GOP conduct before the deadline?
- What residency documentation will they require from Tuberville?
- How will they verify continuous seven-year Alabama residency?
Specific request: I want the Alabama GOP to investigate McFeeters' challenge and require Tuberville to provide detailed residency documentation including travel records, utility bills, and tax filings before the Jan. 30 deadline.
Thank you for your time.
2
civic action
Contact your Alabama state senator to demand clarification of residency requirements
The Alabama Constitution's residency language is vague. Demand the state legislature clarify what constitutes continuous residency for governor candidates.
Hi, I'm calling to demand the Alabama State Senate clarify residency requirements for governor candidates.
Key points to mention:
- The Alabama Constitution requires seven consecutive years residency but language is vague
- Legal experts say it's unclear what constitutes continuous residency
- Tuberville's dual property ownership and Florida travel raise questions
- Voters deserve clear standards before elections
Questions to ask:
- Will the Senate introduce legislation to clarify residency requirements?
- What documentation should candidates provide to prove residency?
- How should travel patterns and multiple property ownership be evaluated?
Specific request: I want the Senate to clarify Alabama Constitution residency requirements and establish clear documentation standards for governor candidates.
Thank you for your time.