University of Alabama Named Homecoming Queen Candidates
Five students have been selected to compete for the title of 2026 Homecoming Queen at the university.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Elections
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The University of Alabama officially announced its five candidates for Homecoming Queen on September 26, 2026. These students will now begin campaigning to support their chosen philanthropic platforms.
Why it matters
The election process highlights student involvement in campus organizations through the use of the Endowed Impact Fund, which was established by Cathy Young and Mike Buhai.
The university announced a field of 5 candidates for this year's election. The selection follows a history of the competition, which saw Katie Buhai serve as Homecoming Queen in 2018.
The players
Kameron Baba
She is a senior marketing major from Gadsden, Alabama.
Rylie Dewley
She is a senior criminal justice and political science major from Grand Blanc, Michigan.
Alex Jorns
She is a junior mathematics major from Chalmette, Louisiana.
Savannah Strong
She is a senior philosophy major from Lincoln, Alabama.
Emie Vandiver
She is a senior biology major from Town Creek, Alabama.
The details
The candidates include seniors Kameron Baba, Rylie Dewley, Savannah Strong, Emie Vandiver, and junior Alex Jorns, all representing diverse academic backgrounds. They are tasked with promoting philanthropic initiatives to support various campus organizations through the Endowed Impact Fund.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: Candidates for Homecoming Queen were announced.
October 11, 2026: Official campaign period begins at 7 a.m.
October 20, 2026: Voting for the Homecoming Queen takes place.
October 23, 2026: Official announcement of the Homecoming Queen.
Political Context
The use of the Endowed Impact Fund represents a structured approach to student governance and philanthropy at the University of Alabama. Some critics of campus election systems often argue that such processes emphasize popularity over policy, pushing back against the focus on philanthropic platforms.
Students and faculty at the University of Alabama can participate in the election on October 20 to determine the next Homecoming Queen. The outcome will influence which philanthropic initiatives receive heightened visibility and potential support through the university's funding mechanisms.
The takeaway
The upcoming election serves as a primary opportunity for students to engage with the university's philanthropic ecosystem. Candidates succeed by effectively linking their personal platforms to the support of established campus organizations.
What happens next
The official campaign period begins October 11 at 7 a.m., followed by the student vote on October 20 and the final announcement on October 23.
Further reading
For more information on the voting process and upcoming contests, visit Tuscaloosa Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Crimson White.
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Should university homecoming elections prioritize philanthropic platforms?
