Alabama Democratic candidates for state office held a press conference Monday, a week before the general election, to underscore their party’s long-standing commitment to repealing the state sales tax on groceries. The candidates focused on an affordability message, addressing the rising cost of living that is a significant concern in political campaigns across Alabama and the nation.
Former Rep. John Knight, D-Montgomery, a former chair of the House Ways and Means General Fund committee, was a featured speaker. Knight has decades of experience sponsoring legislation to repeal the tax. He observed that "more people are coming together to realize that they are suffering," arguing that unfair and unequal taxes hurt more than just Democrats statewide.
Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, who is the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, echoed these sentiments. Ensler stated that "Everywhere I have been, Alabamians are hurting," detailing struggles with grocery bills, prescription drug costs, health insurance premiums, and high gas prices.
Historically, Alabama imposed a 4% state tax on groceries until 2023. When combined with local levies, the total tax on food could reach up to 10% in some areas. Alabama was once one of only three states to fully tax groceries and remains one of eight states that still impose the tax.
Previous efforts to repeal the tax faced obstacles due to debates over how to replace the lost revenue. This revenue, potentially hundreds of millions of dollars, is crucial for the Education Trust Fund, which funds most public education in the state. For years, Knight sought to replace the lost grocery tax revenue by repealing a 1965 constitutional amendment that allows residents to deduct federal taxes paid from their state income taxes—an arrangement that tends to favor wealthier individuals. These proposals did not advance.
In recent legislative sessions, the Republican-controlled Legislature has enacted some reductions. During the 2023 session, legislation was passed to reduce the state grocery tax from 4% to 3%. In 2025, lawmakers further cut the state tax to 2%. Additionally, this spring, a two-month grocery tax break was approved for May and June, coinciding with primary elections and runoffs.
Rep. Penni McClammy, D-Montgomery, who has sponsored legislation to eliminate the grocery tax, acknowledged the relief, stating, “Don’t misunderstand me, I am glad families got a break.” However, McClammy questioned the timing, asking why the break ceased after elections, particularly when families face increased expenses for summer food and programs after children finish school, before the tax increased again.
Beyond the grocery tax, Democrats at the press conference introduced a broader platform focused on affordability. Key proposals include a $15-an-hour minimum wage, expanding Medicaid to improve public health and address the solvency of rural hospitals, and reducing the sales tax on farm equipment. Ensler suggested exploring alternative revenue sources, such as reviewing tax structures for existing exemptions and "handouts being given to big corporations and big companies who can afford to do it." He also highlighted Democratic support for a state lottery, noting that Alabama is missing out on hundreds of millions of dollars that could flow into the state. This revenue, Ensler explained, could help cut expenses for working people without raising their taxes.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones has also called for a repeal of the grocery tax. On the Republican side, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican nominee for governor, and Republican legislative leaders have indicated that eliminating the state grocery tax would be a primary focus of the 2027 legislative session.
Support for eliminating the 1.5% sales tax on farm equipment is bipartisan, with both Corey Hill, the Republican nominee for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, and Ron Sparks, the Democratic nominee for the office, supporting the measure.