Helena Duncan: Doug Jones’ Agenda Risks Alabama’s $14.6 Billion Investment Record

The Business Council of Alabama is entering the final week of the gubernatorial race with a direct challenge to the state’s industrial policy. On Thursday, group leader Helena Duncan argued that U.S. Senator Doug Jones would undo the economic trajectory that has defined the state’s recent history. She positioned the race as a choice between maintaining current incentives or reversing them.

Alabama recorded $14.6 billion in new and expanded capital investment in 2025. This figure represents the largest single-year total in state history. The investment came across 234 distinct projects and secured 9,388 new job commitments. Governor Kay Ivey described this result as evidence of effective leadership rather than luck.

Duncan, who has led the Montgomery-based organization since December 2022, said Jones’ proposals would threaten this momentum. She specifically cited the Democratic candidate’s stance on data center incentives. Jones has called for a moratorium on new data centers and argued that developers should not receive tax breaks. He also proposed redirecting state economic development funds toward small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Duncan characterized Jones’ position as a campaign of fear. She stated that his policies would signal to outside companies that Alabama is no longer a competitive location for capital. "Every state in the country is competing for the same plants and the same capital," Duncan said. "When a company asks whether Alabama wants its investment, Doug Jones’ policies will send them to another state."

The Business Council of Alabama launched a new political action committee called WorkPAC last week. The group aims to become the state’s largest PAC by 2030. Its political affiliate, ProgressPAC, endorsed U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville for governor in June 2025. Duncan said Tuberville’s plan focuses on lower taxes, reduced regulations, and expanded manufacturing.

Duncan highlighted the 2023 Game Plan and the 2024 Working for Alabama package as key drivers of recent success. These initiatives expanded incentive programs and addressed workforce barriers in job training, child care, and housing. She noted that companies like Eli Lilly and Georgia-Pacific selected Alabama in response to these measures. "Alabama’s job creators know the difference between a plan to grow and no plan at all," Duncan said.

The group urged its members to support Tuberville in the November 3 election. Duncan argued that the state’s business community needs a governor who will build on the existing framework. She stated that Tuberville’s agenda aligns with the goals of pro-growth industries. The council’s endorsement signals a strong financial backing for the Republican candidate in the final days of the campaign.