Calhoun County, AL – Voters across Calhoun County and Alabama headed to the polls Tuesday for the 2026 Alabama Primary Election, with several local races decided outright while multiple statewide contests are expected to advance to runoff elections.
Under Alabama election law, if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in a primary election, the top two vote-getters advance to a runoff election. Those runoff elections are currently scheduled for June 16, 2026.
Candidates who secured their party’s nomination Tuesday night will advance to the General Election on November 3, 2026, in races where they face opposition from another party or independent candidates.
Among the most closely watched local races was the Republican primary for Calhoun County Sheriff, where Falon Hurstwon the Republican nomination in a three-way race against Chris Apple and Darrell Collins.
Hurst stated, “Thank you for your trust, support, and friendship. I am honored to have won tonight’s election and look forward to the general election in November.”
In the Republican primary for Calhoun County Commission District 4, Tobi Burt defeated incumbent Terry Howell.
Burt spoke to The Calhoun Journal and shared:
“I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the support shown by the people of District 4. This was a close race, and I believe that reflects how deeply the people of District 4 care about the future of our community.
I want to sincerely thank every volunteer, supporter, voter, friend, and family member who stood beside me throughout this campaign. Your encouragement, prayers, phone calls, signs, and kind words have meant more than I can ever express.
Serving on the Calhoun County Board of Education has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Calhoun County in this new role with honesty, transparency, accessibility, and a willingness to always listen.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this opportunity and your trust.”
The Republican primary for Calhoun County Commission District 2 resulted in a victory for Danny Shears over Bud Turner.
Shears spoke with The Calhoun Journal following the election and reflected on the support he received throughout the campaign.
“When I got home last night and finally sat down, I was overwhelmed with thankfulness — first to God, and then to all the people who encouraged me throughout this campaign through calls, texts, prayers, and kind words. That support kept me motivated every single day,” Shears said.
“I may not have had the most signs out there, but I just kept working, meeting people, and staying encouraged. I’ll never forget the people across this county who have shown love and support to me and my family.”
Shears also spoke about continuing to serve Calhoun County alongside local leaders and municipalities over the next four years.
“When we work together, there’s a synergy that helps move this county forward, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving,” he said.
Shears also praised his opponent, Bud Turner, following the race.
“Bud Turner is a good man. We were friends before this race and we’ll still be friends now. Campaigns are difficult because candidates and their families invest so much into them, and I respect him for stepping forward and serving.”
In the Republican race for Alabama House District 40, Chad Robertson secured the nomination in a four-candidate field that also included Kaycee Cavender, Bill Lester, and Bill McAdams.
Rep. Robertson spoke with The Calhoun Journal and shared, “I am grateful for the outpouring of support I received from across the district. I look forward to returning to the Alabama Legislature and continuing to cut taxes, help make our communities safer and improve our education system.”
On the Democratic ballot, Debra D. Foster won the nomination for State Representative District 32 over David E. Reddick.
Statewide Republican races also drew significant voter attention. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville won the Republican nomination for Governor over Ken McFeeters and “Alabama” Will Santivasci.
Several statewide Republican races are expected to move to runoff elections after no candidate reached the required majority threshold. The runoff election is currently scheduled for June 16, 2026.
The expected Republican runoff matchups include:
- Lieutenant Governor: Wes Allen and John Wahl
- United States Senate: Barry Moore and Steve Marshall
- Attorney General: Katherine Robertson and Jay Mitchell
- Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries: Corey Hill and Christina Woerner McInnis
- Public Service Commission Place No. 2: Jim Zeigler and Chris Beeker
Additional statewide Republican winners included Mike Rogers in the 3rd Congressional District race, Young Boozer for State Treasurer, Andrew Sorrell for State Auditor, Jeremy H. Oden for Public Service Commission Place No. 1, Marie Manning for State Board of Education District 6, and Ed Isom for State Republican Executive Committee Place No. 5.
Democratic voters also cast ballots in statewide races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, United States Senate, and Public Service Commission Place No. 1, along with several State Democratic Executive Committee races appearing on local ballots.
Voters statewide also considered two constitutional amendments. Amendment 1 would expand the list of offenses for which judges may deny bail to include shooting into an occupied dwelling and solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder. Amendment 2 would prohibit district attorneys’ compensation from being reduced during their current term in office.
All election night totals remain unofficial until canvassing is completed and results are formally certified by state and local election officials.
