Deep South Democrats are betting voter frustration over rising costs, health care and data centers can revive their midterm campaigns. In Alabama, Democratic nominee Doug Jones is running against Tommy Tuberville for governor; Democratic primary turnout there doubled from 2022.
Mississippi prosecutor Scott Colom is challenging Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, while Democrats seek statewide wins in Georgia and Senate upsets in Louisiana and South Carolina. Alabama Democrats are fielding candidates in every major state race for the first time in years and hope anger over Republican redistricting will mobilize Black voters. Rep. Shomari Figures said the new map was intended to reduce Black representation.
The obstacles remain substantial: Republicans made up about 58% of Alabama's primary voters, and Democratic statewide candidates have recently topped out at about 40% of the vote. State Republican Party chair Scott Stadthagen dismissed talk of a resurgence, saying Democratic priorities are far outside conservative Alabamians' views.
