Thayer Spencer

Thayer Spencer, also known as Bear, is the Republican candidate for Alabama State Senate District 23 in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against incumbent Democrat Robert Stewart.[1][2] A U.S. Navy veteran and retired health care professional, he says his priorities are elder abuse protection, historic building preservation and health care.[1][3]

Thayer Spencer served in the U.S. Navy from 1991 to 1994, graduated from Alexandria Senior High and Louisiana Tech University, and trained in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps.[1] His career experience includes working as a health care professional; in a Ballotpedia survey, he described 36 years in the health care industry specializing in dementia programs and senior housing.[1][3]

Spencer ran for the same Senate seat in 2022, when he received 1.9% in a primary won by Robert Stewart.[1] In 2026, he advanced from the Republican primary, which was canceled.[1] In the survey, he said his goals include passing legislation to protect against elder abuse, holding social networking providers more accountable for online bullying and defamation, and saving historic architectural buildings from blight.[3] He also said he would donate his state senator salary to the Alzheimer's Association if elected.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.