BIRMINGHAM, AL — A new statewide survey conducted by the Napolitan News Service on behalf of Alabama Policy Action reveals robust leads for certain candidates in major upcoming general election races, alongside overwhelming public support for universal school choice under the CHOOSE Act. The poll, conducted September 21–25, 2026, surveyed 800 registered voters in Alabama with a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.5 percentage points.
General Election Matchups
The survey highlights significant advantages for Republican nominees across top statewide seats:
- Governor: Republican Tommy Tuberville leads Democrat Doug Jones 50% to 37%, with 2% favoring another candidate, 2% not voting, and 8% undecided.
- U.S. Senate: Republican Barry Moore holds a 21-point advantage over Democrat Everett Wess, leading 54% to 33%, with 2% selecting another candidate, 2% not voting, and 9% undecided.
- Lieutenant Governor: Republican John Wahl leads Democrat Phillip Ensler 49% to 33%, with 2% choosing another candidate, 3% not voting, and 13% remaining undecided.
Overwhelming Voter Backing for School Choice & CHOOSE Act
In addition to candidate preference, voters expressed broad enthusiasm for expanding educational freedom across the state.
- Extending Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): When asked whether Alabama’s CHOOSE Act program, which currently creates $7,000 ESAs per child per year for active military, special needs, and low-income families, should be extended to all families so they can choose their children’s school, 70% of voters responded “Yes”, while only 16% opposed and 15% were not sure.
- Universal Availability Support: Upon learning that the CHOOSE Act makes ESAs universally available beginning in 2027, 75% of Alabama voters strongly or somewhat favor expanding the education funding model, compared to just 15% who oppose and 10% who remain undecided.
“These numbers clearly show that Alabama voters remain deeply committed to conservative leadership and are overwhelmingly united behind expanding educational opportunities for every child in our state,” said Stephanie Smith, Executive Director of Alabama Policy Action. “Support for universal school choice through the CHOOSE Act transcends typical political divides, proving that parents and taxpayers of all demographics want flexibility and empowerment in education.”
