Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has responded to allegations from his former opponent, Ken McFeeters, regarding his residency qualifications for the Alabama gubernatorial race. McFeeters, who lost to Tuberville in the May primary, has initiated multiple challenges and a now-dismissed lawsuit questioning Tuberville's eligibility based on residency requirements outlined in the Alabama Constitution.
In response to these challenges, Tuberville released partially redacted income tax returns prior to a hearing by the Alabama Republican Party on June 14. McFeeters expressed surprise and relief at Tuberville's decision to provide these documents, stating the need for a resolution rather than allowing the matter to be decided in court.
According to the Alabama Constitution, candidates for governor must be residents of the state for at least seven years. Tuberville voted in Florida in 2018 and held an active Florida driver’s license until 2023. However, Tuberville argues that his claim of a homestead exemption on his Auburn home since 2018 demonstrates his residency in Alabama. He also owns two homes in Florida but has not claimed exemptions on those properties.
The Alabama Department of Revenue specifies that individuals requesting homestead exemptions must certify that they occupy the home as their primary residence. Tuberville has also released his Alabama income tax returns dating back to 2018, noting that Senate candidates only need to reside in the state for one day.
Campaign Chairman Jordan Doufexis stated confidence that Tuberville meets all constitutional requirements to serve as governor. McFeeters indicated he would accept the outcome of the June 14 hearing and would not pursue further legal action if it did not favor his case. He expressed curiosity about the Alabama Republican Party's decision in the matter.
In a historical context, Tuberville previously questioned former President Barack Obama's qualifications for office, suggesting there were undisclosed details regarding Obama's birth certificate.
Tuberville announced his intention to run for governor last year, leaving his Senate position, and won the Republican primary with 85.48% of the vote against McFeeters, who received 9.56%. The Washington Examiner has reached out to the Alabama Republican Party for further comments.
