Family Over the Fight: Mo Brooks Hangs Up the Gloves for 2026 ​

By Christopher M Peeks January 16, 2026

​For months now in Alabama politics, all eyes have been on former Fifth District Congressman Mo Brooks as the possibility of him running for office again hung over the state like the humidity of a late July thunderstorm.

​They say every great fighter has one last fight in them. Would Brooks, a no-nonsense, bare-knuckle brawler who holds nothing back when jabbing with opponents, step back into the ring for one last bout? Or would he decide to sit this one out?

​The verdict is in. In a private conversation tonight, Brooks informed me he would not be coming out of retirement, saying:

​“Over the past few months, numerous people have encouraged me to run for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Alabama House District 20, Lt. Governor, and a number of other offices.

​“While it is an honor to be asked, I’ve decided that, rather than campaigning, I’d much rather spend my time with my wife, eight kids and kids-in-law, and 14.4 grandchildren (yes, # 15 is on the way!).

​“Family time is far more enjoyable.”

​I am sure some politicians are breathing a sigh of relief knowing they do not have to tango with this seasoned fighter. Quite frankly, the election cycle may be a little more boring without the former Congressman running because he always came to battle.

​Though the Congressman ruled out 2026, who knows about 2028? Maybe he is just going into training and plotting his comeback. Time will tell.

​Christopher M. Peeks

Reporter and Columnist

Alabama Political Contributor