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The Business Council of Alabama’s (BCA) Government Affairs Conference (GAC), recently held in Point Clear, marked a consequential event for the state’s political and business leaders. This year’s GAC was the largest in the organization’s history, underscoring the critical importance of the upcoming 2026 election cycle, which was a central focus of the discussions.
Over the last several election cycles, BCA has focused on candidates who were strong on their issues, while a significant number of House and Senate seats fell to candidates whose culture crusades threatened the pro-business alliance that gave Republicans power in 2010. Since that time, the business community has seen its influence wane, taking a backseat to divisive issues that resonate with elements of the GOP base while alienating business interests.
At the conference, BCA’s Executive Vice President and former Republican state senator Clay Scofield introduced the “Campaign 2026” initiative. This effort is designed to strategically support pro-business candidates at all levels of government in Alabama. The initiative will employ advanced campaign techniques, substantial fundraising, and grassroots mobilization to ensure the election of candidates who prioritize economic growth and job creation.
The 2026 election is poised to be one of the most pivotal in recent Alabama history, with several key offices, including the Governor’s seat, becoming open due to term limits. In addition to the gubernatorial race, there will be open contests for positions such as Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. Incumbents like U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and the entire Alabama U.S. House delegation will also be up for re-election, along with all state legislators.
The BCA is positioning itself to be a major player in these races, actively recruiting candidates and defending current pro-business officeholders. The organization has also launched the “2026 Club,” a platform for political engagement that offers members access to focus groups, polling data, and opposition research.
The overarching theme of the conference emphasized the power of collaboration within the Alabama business community, a sentiment echoed by both Scofield and BCA President and CEO Helena Duncan. The BCA’s aggressive approach to the 2026 elections is set to make it a formidable force in shaping the state’s political landscape.
