The 1998 Alabama gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1998. The election saw incumbent Governor Fob James (R) face off against Lieutenant Governor Don Siegelman (D), resulting in Siegelman winning more than 57% of votes. This was the second of three consecutive Alabama gubernatorial elections where the incumbent was defeated. As of 2026, this was the last time that a Democrat was elected governor of Alabama, and the only time since 1982.
Republican primary
The Republican primary took place on June 2 and saw no candidate secure over 50% of the vote, leading to a runoff between Fob James and Winton Blount on June 30. The period leading up to the runoff election was marked by numerous insults and accusations by both candidates against each other. Incumbent Governor Fob James won the runoff 55% to 44%.
Candidates
- Winton Blount, businessman, 1994 candidate for governor and son of former U.S. postmaster general Winton M. Blount
- Guy Hunt, former governor
- Fob James, incumbent governor since 1995
- Mac McAllister, businessman
- Phil Williams Sr., former director of the Alabama Department of Finance
Democratic primary
The Democratic primary took place on June 2 and saw Lieutenant Governor Don Siegelman easily chosen as the Democratic nominee over Birmingham attorney Lenora Pate and Wayne Sowell.
Candidates
- Lee Lamb
- Lenora Pate, attorney and former director of the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations
- Don Siegelman, lieutenant governor of Alabama
General election
Candidates
- Fob James, incumbent governor since 1995 (Republican)
- Don Siegelman, lieutenant governor of Alabama (Democratic)