CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Tribune will continue its live candidate debate series in 2026, carrying forward a format established in 2025 that brings candidates and voters together for direct, public discussion ahead of elections.
The first confirmed debate of the 2026 election cycle will feature candidates for Alabama Senate District 4.
Incumbent Sen. Garlan Gudger Jr. and challenger JR Bowling, both Republicans, are scheduled to participate in the forum, which will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, beginning at 6 p.m.
The debate will take place inside The Bailey Center auditorium on the campus of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville.
The Tribune thanks Wallace State Community College and President Dr. Vicki Karolewics for opening the campus to host the debate and for supporting opportunities that encourage civic engagement with informed participation in the electoral process.
As in past cycles, The Cullman Tribune will issue debate invitations to all candidates who qualify for the ballot. Candidates who announce their campaigns will receive an invitation during the qualifying period prior to the election.
The Tribune has intentionally structured its debate schedule to take place closer to Primary Election Day, which is May 19.
This approach allows for a complete and accurate candidate field. It ensures that every qualified candidate is given the same opportunity to appear on stage before a live audience and viewers watching from home.
Cullman County sheriff candidates Chad Whaley and Tim Creel, both Republicans, have confirmed their intent to participate in an upcoming debate on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at The Bailey Center.
Several updates will be introduced to the debate format in 2026.
While the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce will not host, co-host or participate in moderating election debates this cycle, chamber leadership expressed confidence in The Tribune’s debate series and encouraged community members to remain engaged.
“The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Affairs Committee will not host a candidate forum this election cycle,” said Chamber President Joey Orr. “We believe the debates being conducted are thoughtful, well organized and informative for our members. We appreciate the efforts being made to engage the community and will encourage our members to listen in with The Cullman Tribune debates and stay informed throughout the election process.”
The Tribune will continue to independently moderate all debates and oversee question development to ensure fairness, balance and real-time engagement in a public forum.
Candidates who have not yet announced or who are preparing to announce their campaigns may request publication of their announcements by contacting The Tribune newsroom at news@cullmantribune.com. Tribune staff will follow up with information regarding debate format and participation.
The Tribune’s 2025 debate series saw strong participation, with candidates across multiple races choosing to answer questions directly from moderators on issues affecting the public.
That level of participation remains the expectation moving forward.
The 2026 debate series will also include a forum for candidates seeking seats on the Alabama Public Service Commission (Place 1). Incumbent Commissioner Jeremy Oden and challenger Matt Gentry, both Republicans, have both tentatively agreed to participate.
Due to ethical considerations and ongoing state-level procedural matters, that debate will be closely moderated to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines.
Additional debate dates, locations and participating races will be announced as candidates qualify and schedules are finalized.
Key dates
- Primary Election: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- Primary Runoff Election: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
- General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
