Longtime GOP Sen. Gerald Allen Announces Reelection Bid

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Alabama State Sen. Gerald Allen, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, on Wednesday officially announced his reelection bid for his District 21 senate seat, which covers parts of Tuscaloosa and Pickens counties.

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Allen, 75, is one of the longest-serving lawmakers in Montgomery, with his time in the statehouse beginning following his election to the Alabama House of Representatives as a Democrat in 1994.

After changing parties, Allen ran as a Republican and was elected to the Senate in 2010, when he unseated incumbent Democrat Phil Poole.

A former high school football standout at Holt High School, Allen went on to earn a degree from the University of Alabama.

Allen and his wife Sheila Bailey Allen of Taylorville have been married for 53 years and have three adult children — Kellie, Jill and Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen. The couple also has six grandchildren.

“I’m running for reelection because I believe in the people of West Alabama and the future of our great state and country,” Allen said. “Over the years, we’ve made real progress — creating jobs, stabilizing the Education Trust fund, protecting our conservative values, and standing up for families and small businesses. But our work is not done. I remain committed to serving with honesty, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to the people of Alabama.”

Allen also touted his advocacy for pro-growth policies, fiscal responsibility, and the protection of traditional values, going on to say that he has supported legislation that has strengthened the state’s economy, improved infrastructure, and ensured that rural communities have a strong voice in Montgomery.

Additionally, Allen prides himself on being accessible to his constituents and responsive to their concerns.

“I’ve always believed public service is about listening, learning, and leading with conviction,” he said. “West Alabama deserves someone who shows up, fights hard, and keeps their word — that’s exactly what I’ve done, and what I’ll continue to do.”

The general election is set for Nov. 3, 2026.

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