Alabama Senate Race: It's a Three-Way Deadlock!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity readers! The race to replace Senator Tommy Tuberville is tighter than a drum. A brand-new poll of likely Alabama Republican primary voters shows a three-way statistical tie at the top.

With just 50 days until the May 19th primary, a whopping 35% of voters are still playing the field!

The Contenders

The Alabama Poll, conducted by Michael Lowry, surveyed 600 likely Republican primary voters and gives us a margin of error of +/- 4.0 percentage points. Here's the breakdown:

• U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) leads… but only just, with 22.8%!
• Attorney General Steve Marshall is nipping at his heels with 20.7%.
• And former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson of Birmingham is right in the mix at 19.0%.

Talk about a photo finish waiting to happen! With all three candidates within the margin of error, it’s anyone’s game.

Runoff Rumble Incoming?

With a hefty chunk of voters (34.5%!) still undecided, a runoff election on June 16th looks increasingly likely. Nobody is close to the majority needed to clinch the nomination outright.

Key Insights

Moore, the congressman with a Donald Trump endorsement, initially surged ahead, but the poll suggests that early momentum hasn't translated into a clear lead. Marshall boasts geographic advantages in key media markets, while Hudson has been steadily gaining ground since last year.

The poll also checked how much sway a Trump endorsement has. While still significant, its impact has lessened somewhat as voters focus more on the candidates themselves.

Alabama's rules require a majority to win the primary, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the top two contenders on June 16th if no one clears the 50% hurdle on May 19th. Get ready for a wild ride, ChumCity!

Alabama Primaries: Let's Talk Straight

Here in Alabama, state law gives political parties the power to decide how they pick their candidates. Primaries? Conventions? Even letting the Executive Committee make the call directly? Yep, it's all on the table.

Why It Matters

Think about it: If a small Executive Committee hand-picks the nominee, that shuts out a whole lot of voices. As a member of my party’s State Executive Committee, I can tell you we don't want that! We want input from folks all over Alabama.

Primaries: The People's Choice?

I'm a big supporter of the primary system. But hold on, because there's a key difference folks often miss.

Election Reality Check

Voting in a primary isn't the same as voting someone into office. It's about choosing who gets to represent a party on the ballot. The real decision – who actually gets the job – happens in the fall. That's the Constitutional Article 1 election, where EVERY Alabamian gets a say.

Two Events, Two Purposes

Primary = picking a nominee. General Election = choosing who wins. Got it?

The Problem with Open Primaries

Right now, Alabama has "open" primaries, kinda. You choose a Republican or Democrat ballot, but you don't actually have to be a member of that party.

Crossover Chaos

This means folks who don't share a party's values can sneak in and mess with the outcome. Democrats meddling in Republican primaries to weaken conservative candidates? It happens! That's not participation; it's manipulation.

Time for Closed Primaries

If a primary's about a party choosing its nominee, shouldn't only members of that party get a vote?

Fairness and Transparency

This isn't about exclusion; it's about fairness! In a closed primary, Alabamians know they're voting for real conservatives (or real Democrats), not RINOs or wolves in sheep's clothing.

Debunking the Myths

Some say closed primaries are a power grab by "party elites." Hogwash!

Real Talk from a Regular Guy

I'm an aircraft mechanic, I work hard, and I'm a State Executive Committee member. Alabama voters deserve a primary process that's fair, transparent, and democratic. Right now, it ain't.

The Solution: Pass HB541

The Alabama House passed HB541, the SAVE Act. Now it's the Senate's turn.

Protect Our Primaries

Pass HB541 and let each party choose its nominees without outside interference! If not, maybe it’s time to rethink the primary process. The primary and general election are not the same. The general election is the real election.

Common Sense for Alabama

Republicans should pick Republican nominees. A closed primary doesn't silence voices; it protects them.

No Brainer

Every party should decide who represents them, without meddling from other parties.

Simple, Right?

The primary's a selection process. The general election's the real election. They're different, and it's time Alabama law reflected that.

Clint Grantham, aircraft mechanic, Coffee County Commissioner, Alabama Republican Executive Committee member, and Coffee County Republican Executive Committee member

Alabama Delegation Stands Up for American Businesses Abroad!

Good news, folks! Alabama's entire U.S. House delegation is united in the fight to protect American companies operating on foreign soil from having their properties seized by pesky foreign governments.

Defending American Property Abroad Act Passes

Last week, the House gave a resounding "YES!" to the Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026, and every single representative from the Yellowhammer State jumped on board, Dems and Reps alike! This bill is all about sending a clear message: Uncle Sam won't stand by while foreign powers snatch up U.S. business assets without fair compensation.

What's the Big Deal?

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong put it best: "The United States will not stand for unlawful harassment campaigns against American companies and American workers!" Preach!

The issue really hit home last year when Mexican armed forces occupied a port facility in Quintana Roo, Mexico, owned by none other than Alabama's own Vulcan Materials. The occupation lasted over a month, adding fuel to a fiery property dispute.

No More Illegal Seizures!

Our delegation is determined to make sure this kind of thing never happens again to an American company. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt says it's all about "fairness and accountability," ensuring American companies aren't punished for playing by the rules while foreign governments face zero consequences for breaking them.

Protecting American Interests

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers emphasized that American companies need to be able to do business without fearing illegal grabs. "This issue hits close to home for Alabama companies as the Mexican government continues its attempts to seize a port owned by Birmingham-based Vulcan Materials," he stated.

Holding Foreign Governments Accountable

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore minced no words: "If you target American businesses, there will be consequences!"

A Bipartisan Effort

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer emphasized that the Act is about "defending American workers, American businesses, and the rule of law."

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell cheered the bill's passage, highlighting its defense of Birmingham's Vulcan Materials. She vowed to keep fighting for workers hurt by illegal trade actions.

So, what does this bill do? It gives the President the power to block ships using foreign ports where American-owned property has been seized from entering U.S. ports. Take that!

Montgomery vs. Montgomery? A Public Safety Showdown!

Get ready for a showdown in the Alabama House! State Senator Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) is calling out Montgomery leadership, accusing them of playing games with his public safety bill, SB298. This bill, up for a vote this week, sets minimum police staffing requirements for cities like Montgomery.

What's the Bill About?

SB298 mandates at least two full-time law enforcement officers for every 1,000 residents in Class 3 cities. In Alabama, that's basically just Montgomery and Huntsville. But here's the twist: Huntsville says they already meet the standard!

Mayor Reed's Resistance

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed isn't happy. He argues the bill is an "unfunded mandate," forcing the city to cover state expenses without extra cash. But Senator Barfoot isn't buying it. He says Montgomery already budgets plenty for public safety, suggesting the funds are there but not being used effectively.

The 400-Officer Debate

A key point of contention is the goal of 400 sworn officers for the Montgomery Police Department. Reed's team calls it arbitrary, but Barfoot says it's based on the 2020 census AND a previous statement from Montgomery's own interim police chief, John Hall, who said 400 officers were the minimum needed back in April 2024!

Secrets and Staffing Numbers?

Barfoot claims Montgomery is being super secretive about its current police officer numbers. "It’s almost like trying to get the nuclear codes," he quipped. He suggests they're hiding a seriously low number, even from city council members.

Treadaway to the Rescue?

State Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris), a former Birmingham assistant police chief, is carrying the bill in the House. Barfoot is grateful, saying Treadaway "knows the law enforcement side of that equation." Will this expertise be enough to get SB298 across the finish line? Stay tuned to ChumCity for updates!

Spring Break Gets Wild in Gulf Shores!

Whoa! Spring break in Gulf Shores took a turn last week with over 100 arrests at a single beach house bash. The Gulf Shores PD is serious about its zero-tolerance policy on underage drinking, especially during the busy season.

The Big Bust

Cops rolled up to a massive party on West Beach Boulevard around 11 PM on March 26th. Inside, they found over 100 people, mostly under 21 and enjoying some forbidden beverages. Things got a little soggy when someone on a balcony decided to shower an officer with beer. Not cool!

Arrests Galore

The result? A whopping 109 arrests for underage possession. One person got nailed for complicity, and four others walked free.

Night Before Drama

But wait, there’s more! The night before, March 25th, another big house party on West Beach Boulevard went down. When the police arrived, partygoers scattered like cockroaches in the light, leaving behind lots of booze and more underage drinkers.

More Arrests & Warnings

That party led to 31 more arrests for underage possession, plus complicity and resisting arrest charges. Apparently, police had warned these folks earlier in the week. Guess they didn't listen!

"Zero-Tolerance" Isn't Just a Buzzword

According to the Gulf Shores PD, these huge, unsupervised parties are a safety hazard, drain resources, and annoy the neighbors. They're reminding everyone that this kind of behavior is against the law and will be dealt with swiftly.

Everyone's Welcome, Except...

"Our message hasn’t changed: come enjoy our beaches," the department stated. "But, we have a zero-tolerance attitude toward anything that ruins the fun for everyone else."

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Law enforcement from across Baldwin County, including Orange Beach and Foley, helped Gulf Shores PD during the spring break crackdown. Looks like they were ready for anything!

Lynn: From Hopelessness to Healing!

Lynn's story is nothing short of miraculous! After battling what seemed like "incurable" mental illnesses, addictions, and soul-crushing despair, she found freedom in 2011. Now, she's dedicated to sharing the redemptive power of God's healing and wisdom with YOU.

Rediscovering Wisdom

Lynn's on a mission to bring back the true meaning of Wisdom into our culture. She's all about teaching biblical principles that bring balance and prosperity to your mind, body, spirit, and soul.

Your Path to Freedom

Through faith, taking responsibility, and living intentionally, Lynn empowers you to find your own freedom and purpose. It's about applying God's truth to every area of your life! Her message? If she could transform her life, anyone can with faith and action.

The Holy Spirit's Freedom

Lynn is a walking, talking example of the freedom the Holy Spirit offers when we trust and follow His lead.

Hope is Here!

Remember, God has a plan and purpose for every single one of us. Don't let the enemy steal your joy! This episode is packed with power and HOPE, no matter what you're facing!

Alabama's Education Revolution?

Stephanie Smith of the Alabama Policy Institute says the CHOOSE Act is a huge win for parents! It gives them the power to pick schools that vibe with their values and religious beliefs, all thanks to education savings accounts. Smith calls it a major blow to the left-wing "educrats" who were more interested in red tape than student success.

Gas Prices on Pause?

Are Alabama drivers about to get a break at the pump? There's chatter about pausing the state's gas tax to ease the pain of rising prices. Georgia did it, and prices dropped! But Georgia officials are warning gas stations: pass the savings on or face investigation.

News Anchor's Controversial Sign-Off

Birmingham's ABC 33/40 recently apologized after anchor Ashonti Ford signed off with a quote attributed to Hassan al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood. The quote, "The quieter you become, the more you're able to hear," sparked outrage, given the group's terror links.

Police Power Struggle Brewing?

A new police staffing bill is causing major friction, with some critics saying it "strips power from black officials." The bill targets Montgomery and Huntsville (home to Mayor Tommy Battle), and opponents are gearing up for a legislative showdown, fearing it undermines local control and minority representation in law enforcement.

Airports Back to Normal (Almost)

Good news for travelers! Major U.S. airports are getting back on track as TSA workers receive their back pay. Remember the partial government shutdown? President Trump is telling Congress to skip their break and fix the funding issues ASAP.

Senate Race Heating Up!

A new poll reveals a three-way toss-up between U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, Attorney General Steve Marshall, and Jared Hudson in the 2026 Alabama U.S. Senate Republican primary. And Trump's pick in the Lt. Gov. race is in a dead heat too! Plus, tons of voters are still undecided.

Iranian Infighting and Global Anxieties

Leaked messages suggest tension between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over negotiations to end the conflict. Trump wants allies to foot the bill for the war, but keeps hinting at a deal. Meanwhile, attacks continue, Europe worries about costs and inflation.

Alabama GOP Pushes for Closed Primaries!

The Yellowhammer State is buzzing with talk of closed primary elections! Alabama Republican Party Chairman Scott Stadthagen is urging state senators to pass a bill that would make party registration a must for primary voters.

The SAVE Act: What's the Deal?

The Alabama House already gave the thumbs-up to the SAVE Act, championed by State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough. This bill would require folks to register with a political party to participate in primary elections, starting in 2027. Current voters would also need to make the switch to participate.

Stadthagen Sounds Off!

Stadthagen chatted about the issue on "The Rightside," pointing out that the Republican Party already voted in favor of closed primaries back in 2022. He sees this as a golden opportunity to finally get the bill to the governor's desk. But will the Senate play ball?

Senate Skepticism?

Not everyone's convinced! State Sen. Sam Givhan, who's carrying the bill in the Senate, has expressed doubts about its chances this session.

What's the Big Idea?

Stadthagen says folks need a better understanding of what primary elections are all about – parties choosing their candidates for the general election. He argues that independents already have their say in the general election, so primary elections should be for party members only.

Hopeful, But Realistic

Stadthagen remains optimistic, hoping that the Senate will give the bill a good look. He believes education is key, as many Alabamians are confused about the issue. If you want to influence the party's pick, join the party! If you prefer to stay independent, your voice is heard in the general election!

Stop the Scammers!

We all think we're savvy, right? Scam text from the IRS? Swipe, delete, report! We know the IRS isn't going to text you a random link. We know clicking that link is digital disaster.

But...wait. This new text looks legit. This email knows things. It's got the official logo. The grammar is perfect! Is it...real?

STOP!

That's the advice from Jeff Taylor, head of Commercial Fraud Forensics at Regions Bank. His key? "Fostering a culture of fraud awareness." That means protecting your personal dough, your household's finances, and your company's funds.

"Building this culture starts with vigilance at every level," Taylor says. Here's his top advice:

Guard Your Digital Castle

Beef up your defenses! Networks, firewalls, devices – make sure they're tight. And if it's been a while, do a fresh security check-up.

Latest operating systems and security patches are a must. Outdated software is a fraudster's open door. Use strong, unique passwords, and never share them.

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) – that extra layer makes it way harder for bad guys to break in, even with your password. And for sensitive stuff, require two-person approval, like for big money moves.

"With cybercrime exploding, businesses are more vulnerable today, not less," Taylor warns. "Understand how these criminals attack so you can proactively keep your enterprise secure."

Make security a daily habit, and everyone plays a role in defense.

Train, Train, Train!

People are often the weakest link. Not because they're bad, but because they're unaware.

"Got a teen with their first phone? Do they really know what not to do?" Taylor asks.

"Everyone in the house needs to be alert. And in the office? Same deal. Train everyone to spot warning signs, because scammers will target anyone."

Workplace training can even include fake "phishing" emails to test employees. Encourage open discussions, share real stories, and make vigilance normal.

"Fraud training is your best protection," Taylor says.

"At home, it's making sure everyone, young and old, knows how fraudsters trick people. At work, it's building a culture where fraud can't thrive. That can be the difference between keeping your money and losing it all."

Have a Fraud Response Plan

We already gave you step one: STOP!

Next? CALL! CONFIRM!

"If you get a request to pay, click a link, or tap a URL in a text, STOP!" Taylor urges.

"Don't fall for the fake urgency. Take your time and CALL a trusted contact at their verified number, not the one in the message."

Grab your bank card and call the number on the back. Or use their official toll-free number.

Confirm the request is legit. Often, it isn't.

"People with good intentions get scammed, and by the time they realize it, it's too late," he adds. "That's why Regions Bank warns everyone: Be on the lookout. It's better to prevent fraud than to get burned."

IVF Access: An Alabama Family's Story

February 2024 hit Alabama families hard. IVF clinics suddenly shuttered, appointments vanished, and treatment cycles were abruptly halted. Imagine years of hope, hard-earned savings, and heartfelt prayers, all thrown into uncertainty. We know that feeling intimately. After years battling secondary infertility, IVF gave us our second daughter last June.

More Than a Legal Debate

Threatening IVF isn't just abstract law; it's the line between growing your family and missing your chance forever. Alabama champions families, but being "pro-family" demands more than just words. It requires policies that empower families to bring children into the world, especially when it's a struggle.

IVF families have already walked a tough road. This path isn't chosen lightly. It follows loss, disappointment, and countless unanswered prayers. For many, IVF isn't just an option; it's the only way to hold their children.

Progress, But Not Perfection

We applaud President Trump's efforts to lower IVF medication costs, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per cycle. This makes a real difference and sends a powerful message. And Senator Katie Britt’s leadership after the Alabama Supreme Court decision was crucial. She championed Alabama families when they needed it most.

The Alabama Legislature acted swiftly, passing the IVF Immunity Law, allowing clinics to reopen and families to resume treatment. But the law was a compromise, crafted under intense pressure. It restored access, but it didn't secure it.

The Fight Isn't Over

A single court challenge could plunge families back into chaos. Treatments could be paused, clinics could close, and patients could lose their chance. That instability is unacceptable.

Permanent Protection Needed

If Alabama truly backs families, we need permanent IVF protection: a constitutional amendment guaranteeing access to IVF care. Families deserve certainty, knowing their ability to build a family won't depend on the next lawsuit. This isn't about politics; it's about supporting Alabama families.

Fight for Alabama Families is dedicated to making this a reality. We're grateful for the progress, but we're not done.

Families like ours can't let this fade into the background. The hope of holding a child, celebrating milestones, and watching dreams unfold hangs in the balance. What our leaders do next matters.

Alabama families have spoken up, shared their stories, and we'll continue until IVF is permanently protected. Because being pro-family isn't just a slogan, it's a promise.

Corinn O'Brien, Founder of Fight for Alabama Families