U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is running for Governor of Alabama in 2026, according to reports confirmed by Yellowhammer News.
Political Background and Current Position
Tuberville was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020, defeating incumbent Democrat Doug Jones. Prior to his political career, he was a college football coach, most notably at Auburn University. In the Senate, he has been a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and has been involved in various legislative efforts, including those related to agriculture and veterans’ affairs .
Indications of a Gubernatorial Run
In early 2025, Tuberville began signaling to colleagues and associates a strong interest in running for governor. He has expressed that serving as the CEO of a state would allow him to have a more direct impact in a shorter amount of time compared to his current role in the Senate . Additionally, Tuberville has won a straw poll conducted by the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, where he received 49% of the vote, leading Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, who garnered 33% .
Potential Challenges and Considerations
Tuberville’s potential gubernatorial run faces several challenges. He has not yet made a final decision and has indicated that he will not be able to raise campaign funds until June 2025, which could impact his ability to mount an effective campaign . Furthermore, Tuberville’s tenure in the Senate has been marked by controversy, including his comments on white nationalism, which have drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans .
While Tuberville has not officially announced his candidacy for governor, his actions and statements suggest a strong interest in the race. The coming months will be crucial as he weighs his options and makes a final decision. His potential entry into the 2026 gubernatorial race would add a prominent figure to the field and could significantly influence the political landscape in Alabama.
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has officially announced his candidacy for Governor of Alabama in the 2026 election. In a private event held on April 23, 2025, Tuberville informed a group of donors that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate and is instead focused on running for governor .
Tuberville’s decision to run for governor marks a significant shift in his political career. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020, defeating incumbent Democrat Doug Jones with 60.2% of the vote. Prior to his political career, Tuberville was a college football coach, most notably at Auburn University. His tenure in the Senate has been marked by his involvement in various legislative efforts, including those related to agriculture and veterans’ affairs .
The 2026 Alabama gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026. Incumbent Governor Kay Ivey is term-limited and cannot seek re-election . Tuberville’s entry into the race adds a prominent figure to the field and could significantly influence the political landscape in Alabama.
As of now, Tuberville has not officially launched his campaign, but his recent statements and actions suggest a strong commitment to running for governor. The coming months will be crucial as he prepares for the 2026 election and works to build support among voters and party members.
