State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills), Alabama’s longest serving lawmaker in history, announced on Monday that he will seek a new term in the State Senate during the 2026 campaign cycle.
“I’ve devoted a lifetime to serving my state, my community, and my neighbors, but there is still much work to be done and many goals to accomplish before all the hay is in the barn,” Waggoner said.
“Though we’ve made tremendous progress over the years in education, economic development, and ensuring Alabama’s morals and values are protected, I remain committed to making our already great state even better.”
When the GOP won a legislative supermajority following the 2010 statewide elections, Waggoner’s years of dedicated service were recognized by his colleagues when he was selected as the first Republican Majority Leader in Alabama history.
He was also selected as Chairman of the powerful, agenda-setting Senate Rules Committee, an influential post Waggoner has held throughout the past 15 years.
Waggoner, 88, represents Senate District 16, which includes portions of Jefferson and Shelby counties in the Birmingham suburbs. He has served in the Alabama Senate since 1990 following 17 years in the Alabama House, first elected in 1966.
He was elected to the State Senate in 1990 and continues to serve in the upper chamber today.
Waggoner’s already record-setting 53-year legislative tenure at the end of this quadrennium will continue to grow with a new term and is likely to remain unmatched in history.
Among the hundreds of honors he has received is the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented for his commitment to conservative principles and his dedication to serving the people of Alabama.
Waggoner and his wife, Marilyn, have been married for 67 years, and they are devoted members of the Homewood Church of Christ.
Earlier this year, Waggoner was honored byYellowhammer News as the 2025 recipient of the Power of Service Award, a lifetime achievement distinction awarded annually to one individual.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
