Chad ‘Chig’ Martin Hosts Energized Campaign Rally in Huntsville, Alabama, Outlining Vision for 2026 Gubernatorial Race

Huntsville, AL – July 15, 2025 – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chad “Chig” Martin ignited enthusiasm among Huntsville voters and business leaders at a vibrant campaign rally held at Big Spring Park on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The event, attended by a decent number of supporters and curious voters, showcased Martin’s grassroots-driven “Citizen’s Driven Movement” and his bold vision for Alabama’s future, positioning him as a compelling alternative to Republican frontrunner U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Who Is Chad ‘Chig’ Martin?

A native of Enterprise, Alabama, Chad Martin, 57, is a seasoned businessman and self-described “common-sense Democrat” who has built a diverse portfolio of enterprises, including Martin Mobile Home Park, Thunder Industrial Supply, and Honeysuckle Hemp Company, Alabama’s first hemp dispensary. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Martin leverages his experience as a small business owner to advocate for economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. His prior runs for governor in 2018 (as an independent write-in) and 2022 (Democratic primary) have honed his grassroots approach, earning him nearly 30,000 followers on his “Chad Chig Martin for Governor of Alabama 2026” Facebook page.

Martin’s rally in Huntsville, a hub for technology and defense industries, resonated with local business owners and voters seeking practical solutions to Alabama’s challenges. Unlike Tuberville, a political figure known for his sports background and Senate tenure, Martin emphasized his hands-on business acumen and commitment to bipartisan collaboration.

Key Highlights from the Huntsville Rally

The rally, set against the backdrop of Huntsville’s thriving tech ecosystem, featured Martin’s signature blend of accessibility and policy substance. Key moments included:

• Economic Development Vision: Martin outlined plans to recruit high-tech and manufacturing industries to Huntsville and beyond, promising to personally lead a team of industry recruiters. He highlighted Huntsville’s potential to rival Silicon Valley, citing its existing strengths in aerospace and defense, including NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. “Huntsville is Alabama’s innovation engine” Martin declared.
• Infrastructure Investment: Addressing Huntsville’s growth-driven traffic challenges, Martin pledged to prioritize infrastructure expansion and upgrades, critical for commuters and freight in Madison, Limestone, and Morgan counties.
• Education and Workforce Development: Martin advocated for a state lottery to fund education, including technical training programs tailored to Huntsville’s high-tech workforce needs. “We’re losing revenue to Georgia and Tennessee lotteries. It’s time to invest in our schools and train the next generation of rocket scientists right here instead of building schools for Tennessee and Georgia” he said, earning applause from educators and business leaders in attendance. He also highlighted how Alabama has some of the worst academic testing performance scores in the country.
• Healthcare Access: Martin proposed health hubs to bring preventive care to rural areas and expand Medicaid, ensuring Huntsville’s healthcare sector remains robust. He also supported decriminalizing natural medicines, drawing from his experience with Alabama’s hemp industry restrictions, which he argued stifled innovation.
• Gaming and Tourism: Martin’s plan for four statewide gaming entertainment zones, including family-friendly resorts, aims to boost tourism and create jobs. He suggested Huntsville could host a premier entertainment hub, capitalizing on its growing population and cultural appeal.

Why Huntsville Voters and Businesses Might Choose Martin Over Tuberville

Martin’s rally underscored key distinctions between himself and Tuberville, appealing to Huntsville’s unique blend of tech-savvy professionals, small business owners, and working-class families:

1. Local Business Expertise vs. National Politics: Martin’s decades of running successful businesses in Alabama give him a practical edge over Tuberville, whose career has leaned on national prominence as a football coach and senator. Martin’s focus on recruiting industries aligns with Huntsville’s economic goals, while Tuberville’s Senate record, including his military promotions blockade, has drawn criticism for potentially harming Alabama’s interests, such as the Space Command decision.
2. Grassroots Engagement: Martin’s campaign thrives on direct voter interaction, with live Q&A sessions on social media and in-person events like the Huntsville rally. Tuberville, by contrast, relies on name recognition and significant campaign funding (over $3 million raised), which Martin argues distances him from everyday Alabamians.
3. Infrastructure Prioritization: Huntsville’s rapid growth demands infrastructure solutions. Martin’s specific commitments to infrastructure resonate with local business owners facing logistical challenges, while Tuberville’s platform has yet to address these regional priorities in detail.
4. Bipartisan Appeal: Martin’s “Citizen’s Driven Movement” attracts Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and independents, appealing to Huntsville’s diverse electorate. His emphasis on trust in government and practical governance contrasts with Tuberville’s polarizing political style, which may alienate moderate voters.
5. Education and Innovation: Huntsville’s tech-driven economy relies on a skilled workforce. Martin’s education funding proposals, including a lottery, align with the city’s need for STEM talent, while Tuberville’s focus has largely been on national issues like immigration and cultural debates, less relevant to Huntsville’s immediate needs.

What’s Next for Martin’s Campaign?

Martin announced plans to return to Huntsville for additional events, including a meet-and-greet at Campus 805 in August 2025 and a debate at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He encouraged voters to join his movement via ChadChigMartin.com and follow his Facebook page for live updates. “This isn’t about me—it’s about us, the people of Alabama, building a future where Huntsville and every corner of our state thrives,” he concluded.

Chad “Chig” Martin’s Huntsville rally on July 15, 2025, showcased a candidate deeply connected to Alabama’s economic and social fabric, offering a clear alternative to Tommy Tuberville’s high-profile but less localized campaign. For Huntsville’s business community and voters, Martin’s focus on jobs, infrastructure, education, and healthcare presents a forward-looking vision tailored to the Rocket City’s ambitions. As the 2026 gubernatorial race heats up, Martin’s grassroots momentum could make him a formidable contender in Alabama’s political landscape.

Learn more about Chad “Chig” Martin’s campaign at https://www.chadchigmartin.com/home