The Alabama Constitution says Governors must have lived in the state for seven years before running for that office. On October 9, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that courts cannot enforce that provision before an election. Instead, the decision says, the only possible challenge before an election is to have the candidate’s party adjudicate the matter. State ex rel Dorgan v Tuberville, SC-2026-0540. The decision is unanimous, although two justices recused themselves. In Alabama, State Supreme Court justices are elected in partisan elections. All nine justices are Republicans.
The case had been brought by individuals who argued that Republican nominee Tommy Tuberville doesn’t actually live in Alabama. He is a U.S. Senator from Alabama who owns homes in Washington, D.C., and Florida.
Here is the Opinion. It leaves the door open for a challenge after the election.
What difference does it make? He’s going to win the election and live in Montgomery, Alabama at the Governor’s mansion.
I am opposed to residency requirements for candidates. The United Kingdom does it right. People don’t need to live in their district to run for House of Commons.
That kind of defeats the point of districts, doesn’t it?