Alabama GOP Senate Candidates Divided on Filibuster Reform for Voter ID Bill

Most support a 'talking filibuster' to pass the Republican-backed SAVE America Act, while one candidate wants to eliminate the filibuster entirely.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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As the midterm elections approach, Republican candidates for Alabama's U.S. Senate seat have taken varying stances on filibuster reform in order to pass the SAVE America Act, a GOP-backed bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. While most candidates support a 'talking filibuster' to overcome the 60-vote threshold, one candidate, Rep. Barry Moore, has called for completely eliminating the filibuster.

Why it matters

The debate over filibuster reform and the SAVE America Act highlights the partisan divide over voting rights and election integrity. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of federal elections, with Republicans arguing the bill is necessary to secure the vote and Democrats warning it would disenfranchise millions of voters.

The details

Most of Alabama's Republican candidates for U.S. Senate, including Attorney General Steve Marshall and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, have voiced support for a 'talking filibuster' to pass the SAVE America Act. This would require senators to actively debate the legislation on the Senate floor, rather than the current practice of a 60-vote threshold to end debate. However, Rep. Barry Moore has gone further, calling for a complete elimination of the filibuster to push through the GOP's election security agenda. The candidates' positions reflect the broader debate within the Republican Party over how far to go in changing Senate rules to advance their priorities.

  • The SAVE America Act passed the House earlier this month.
  • The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has delayed the voter ID measure from reaching the Senate calendar yet.

The players

Steve Marshall

Alabama Attorney General who supports reinstating the 'talking filibuster' to pass the SAVE America Act, though he stops short of calling for a complete repeal of the filibuster.

Jared Hudson

Former Navy SEAL running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Tommy Tuberville, who supports ending the 'silent filibuster' so that senators have to 'stand on the floor and defend their position' on the SAVE America Act.

Morgan Murphy

Former Tuberville adviser and Trump administration official who argues that 'every filibuster should be a talking filibuster,' with senators required to vocally express their opposition to legislation on the Senate floor.

Barry Moore

U.S. Representative from Alabama's 2nd congressional district who has taken a hardline approach, siding with conservatives like Tuberville who support completely eliminating the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act.

John Thune

U.S. Senate Majority Leader from South Dakota who has acknowledged the challenges that using a 'talking filibuster' would bring to daily legislative activity in the Senate.

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What they’re saying

“Democrats shouldn't be able to block legislation with a sheet of paper.”

— Steve Marshall, Alabama Attorney General (Alabama Daily News)

“If Democrat senators want to block the SAVE America Act, they should have to publicly explain why they're standing in the way of safeguarding American elections.”

— Jared Hudson, Former Navy SEAL and U.S. Senate candidate (Alabama Daily News)

“So if Republicans in the Senate cannot pass the SAVE America Act to ensure our election security, it demonstrates how Washington is governed—not by the people—but by special interests and greed.”

— Morgan Murphy, Former Tuberville adviser and Trump administration official (Alabama Daily News)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has delayed the SAVE America Act from reaching the Senate calendar, but the debate over filibuster reform is expected to continue as the midterm elections approach.

The takeaway

The divide among Alabama's GOP Senate candidates over filibuster reform highlights the broader partisan tensions surrounding voting rights and election integrity. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the future of federal elections, with Republicans arguing the SAVE America Act is necessary to secure the vote and Democrats warning it would disenfranchise millions of voters.