Alabama GOP Candidate Files Ethics Complaint Against Tuberville

Ken McFeeters claims Tuberville improperly used campaign funds for Florida travel.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:10pm

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An Alabama candidate for governor, Ken McFeeters, has filed an ethics complaint against his GOP rival Tommy Tuberville, alleging that Tuberville improperly used campaign funds for travel and expenses in Florida. McFeeters claims Tuberville, who is also running for governor, does not actually live in Alabama as required by state law.

Why it matters

The residency requirements for Alabama's gubernatorial candidates have become a point of contention in the Republican primary race. The ethics complaint filed by McFeeters raises questions about Tuberville's eligibility and could impact the outcome of the election.

The details

In the ethics complaint filed on April 2, McFeeters claims Tuberville's campaign spent $3,600 on improper travel and food expenses in Florida. Federal campaign finance records show Tuberville's campaign has spent thousands of dollars across Florida since he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020, including near one of his homes on the Florida panhandle. McFeeters has also sued the Tuberville campaign over claims the senator actually lives in Florida and doesn't meet the 7-year residency requirement to run for Alabama governor.

  • The ethics complaint was filed on April 2, 2026.
  • The Alabama GOP primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The players

Ken McFeeters

A candidate for Alabama governor who filed the ethics complaint against his GOP rival Tommy Tuberville.

Tommy Tuberville

A U.S. Senator and candidate for Alabama governor who is accused of improperly using campaign funds for Florida travel.

Will Santivasci

Another Republican candidate for Alabama governor who is running against Tuberville and McFeeters in the primary.

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What they’re saying

“He's got to step down before the primary, or we're going to have a Democratic governor of Alabama.”

— Ken McFeeters, Alabama Gubernatorial Candidate

“(Tuberville) can't win, because he doesn't live in Alabama.”

— Ken McFeeters, Alabama Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

The Alabama Ethics Commission will investigate the complaint filed by McFeeters against Tuberville. The outcome of this investigation could impact Tuberville's eligibility to run for governor.

The takeaway

The residency requirements for Alabama's gubernatorial candidates have become a central issue in the Republican primary race. The ethics complaint filed by McFeeters against Tuberville highlights the ongoing debate over where the candidates truly reside and whether they meet the state's legal requirements.