Campaign Finance Concerns in Alabama
A coalition of Alabama organizations is calling for immediate action and greater public scrutiny regarding serious campaign finance concerns tied to gambling interests and political action committees operating in Alabama.
On May 5, 2026, nine Alabama organizations sent a formal coalition letter to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State Wes Allen requesting a review and investigation into widely reported allegations involving gambling-related money flowing through political action committees and possible violations of Alabama campaign finance laws.
The coalition requested a response within 10 days. To date, coalition members state they have not received a response outlining whether investigations or enforcement actions have been initiated.
The coalition emphasized that its purpose is not to attack public officials personally, but rather to raise public awareness about the growing influence of gambling money in Alabama politics and the urgent need for transparency and accountability.
“Alabama citizens deserve confidence that campaign finance laws are being followed and enforced,” coalition leaders said. “The issue before us is bigger than any one officeholder or election. This is about whether powerful gambling interests can use massive amounts of money to quietly influence the future of Alabama.”
Coalition members stated there have been numerous publicly reported allegations involving undisclosed expenditures, complex PAC funding structures, and alleged failures to comply with Alabama reporting laws. Since the May 5 coalition letter was delivered, additional public calls for an investigation have emerged from multiple candidates.
“We know from other states that gambling money often brings corruption, undue political influence, and weakened public trust,” coalition leaders stated. “The Alabama Constitution prohibits games of chance, yet we are witnessing unprecedented amounts of gambling-related money flowing into legislative races. Citizens should be deeply concerned about what this could mean for the future of our state.”
The coalition stressed that regardless of where citizens stand on specific gambling policy, all Alabamians should agree that lawlessness should not be tolerated; public transparency and compliance with campaign finance laws are essential to a free and fair election process.
We again call upon the Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State’s Office to immediately:
- Review the publicly reported allegations;
- Determine whether violations of Alabama law have occurred; and
- Open appropriate investigations where warranted.
These concerns deserve immediate attention, particularly as Alabama voters prepare for upcoming elections and debates surrounding possible gambling legislation.
Coalition Signatories:
Alabama Business Alliance
Wayne Pate, President
Alabama Policy Institute
Stephanie Smith, President and CEO
ALCAP
Greg Davis, President and CEO
Citizens For a Better Alabama
Eric Johnston, President
Christian Coalition of AL
Randy Brinson, President and Chairman
Concerned Women of America (Alabama)
Bobbie Raddick, President
Eagle Forum of Alabama
Becky Gerritson, Executive Director
John Eidsmoe
Senior Counsel, Foundation For Moral Law
Southeast Law Institute
Eric Johnston, President
