The Waiting Game: Will John Merrill Run Again?

By Christopher M Peeks September 21, 2025

Like spring blossoms in the warm April sun, Alabama politics is heating up. While the headlines of the latest election news reveal candidates sniping at each other, switching races, and lining war chests, all eyes are on one of the biggest names yet to announce for 2026. A politician who may not even be an office seeker in next year's midterms. None other than former Secretary of State John Merrill.

For all intents and purposes, Secretary Merrill looks like a politician on the campaign trail. He is making all the rounds, speaking to various groups, conducting TV and radio interviews, and doing podcasts. Merrill looks as if he will announce for office any moment, but will he?

First, John Merrill has a great position with Wagoneer Engineering. He is able to stay a fixture as a statesman and gets to travel a lot. He seems to be really enjoying himself at this stage of his career. So, why open yourself up to the rigors that come with running a statewide campaign?

Politics gets in your blood, and some people are born for the sport, and John Merrill is one of them. He has the look. Articulate, charismatic, he walks the walk and talks the talk. So will he or won't he?

Only John Merrill knows the answer to that. People ask me all the time if he is running. I tell them I honestly don't know.

In my opinion, Merrill is being very calculated. He only has one race left in him. If he loses, he will never be viable again. If he wins his next race, the sky's the limit. He is still young enough that he can sit this cycle out and keep his options open. He must choose carefully.

With a Mo Brooks candidacy looking more and more likely in the 2026 Senate race, bringing the number to five candidates seeking to be the next junior Senator from Alabama, does Merrill really want to try to run that gauntlet?

Meanwhile, the Lt. Governor's race looks much more doable, but the more interesting question is, with the current Secretary of State, Wes Allen, giving up his seat to seek that office, does Merrill seek a third term in his old job? That might be his best option. He would immediately be the odds-on favorite, and from there, he could seek the Governor's office when Tommy Tuberville leaves.

So, while the voters await in anticipation for Merrill's decision, he will continue to play coy, keeping everyone guessing with their ears perked up. For one, I hope to see John run for office again. I think a Merrill campaign will be good for him and good for the state.

Christopher M Peeks

Reporter and Columnist

Alabama Political Contributor

Former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill