Doug Jones advocates for Alabama lottery and phasing out Choose Act

Doug Jones Campaigns in Huntsville Calling for State Lottery and Public School Protections

Democratic candidate for governor Doug Jones visited Huntsville on Tuesday to outline his platform for the upcoming election, advocating for a statewide lottery, pushing to roll back the Alabama Choose Act, and criticizing his opponent’s lack of public town halls. According to WHNT reporting, Jones told supporters that his campaign has held 21 town hall events since July 1, contrasting his public accessibility with leadership. “Tommy Tuberville has not done a town hall in the six years that he’s been elected,” Jones said. “We’ve done 21 since the first of July. So people are seeing and they’re connecting the dots between that lack of leadership and the things that are going on in the state with their personal circumstances.”

The Push for a Comprehensive Gaming Bill and Standalone Lottery

Jones stated that he wants to give residents an opportunity to vote on a lottery, prioritizing a comprehensive gambling bill if the legislature can agree on the terms. Pointing out that Alabamians regularly spend money on online betting platforms and travel to neighboring states to play the lottery, Jones argued the state should capture that revenue.

“I am in favor of a comprehensive gambling bill if we can get one done,” Jones said, as noted by WHNT. “So far we haven’t been able to get one done because too many people want their fingers in the pie. And as soon as somebody puts a finger in, somebody else pulls it out because everybody is very protective.”

Los angeles feb doug jones at the saturn awards at the burbank convention center on february in burbank ca

If a broad gaming package remains out of reach, Jones signaled openness to a standalone lottery bill that could be placed before voters as a constitutional amendment. He noted that it has been 25 years since an Alabama governor actively led a push for a lottery.

Opposition to the Alabama Choose Act and Public School Funding

On education policy, Jones sharply contrasted his views with those of his opponent, who has called for an expansion of the Alabama Choose Act. The legislation currently directs state funds toward private school tuition and other non-public educational expenses.

Doug Jones Campaigns in Huntsville, Opposes CHOOSE Act Expansion | Oct. 27, 2026 | News 19 at 5 p.m.

Jones argued that the program lacks oversight and siphons necessary resources away from the public school system. “I have nothing against private schools, but they’re not accountable to the state,” Jones said. “Once they get the money, you don’t know how the money is being spent, and there’s no standards. So I would like to phase out the Choose Act. And I think that it is damaging public schools.”

Under his proposed phase-out, families currently participating in the voucher program would not be abruptly removed, and a voucher option would remain available specifically for homeschooling families to purchase computers and educational equipment. However, Jones emphasized that declining public school enrollment requires focused state investment rather than private school subsidies.

Voter Decision and Closing Message Ahead of Election Day

With Election Day approaching next week, Jones encouraged voters to look beyond short advertisements and social media posts when evaluating candidates. He urged citizens to examine verifiable records, policy proposals, and past performance.

“I don’t want them to base their decision on a 30-second ad or an Instagram post or a Twitter post,” Jones said. “That mostly is false. I don’t want them to base it on things other than people’s records of what they’ve done, what they’ve said, the image that they want for the state, what they’re proposing going forward.”