Trump Ally RUNS for Governor – Who Follows?

Sen. Tommy Tuberville announces bid for Alabama Governor while staying neutral in upcoming Senate race, signaling major shifts in the state’s political landscape.

At a Glance

  • Sen. Tommy Tuberville announced he will run for Alabama Governor in 2026 instead of seeking reelection to the Senate
  • Tuberville raised $2 million within 24 hours of announcing his gubernatorial campaign
  • He plans to remain neutral in the primary for his Senate seat but may advise President Trump
  • Attorney General Steve Marshall and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson have already announced Senate candidacies
  • Tuberville predicts Trump’s eventual endorsement will be decisive in determining the Republican nominee

From Football Field to Governor’s Mansion

Senator Tommy Tuberville shocked Alabama’s political establishment by announcing his candidacy for Governor in 2026 rather than seeking a second term in the U.S. Senate. The former Auburn University football coach made his intentions clear during an appearance on Fox News’ The Will Cain Show, ending months of speculation about his political future. Tuberville’s decision comes as current Governor Kay Ivey approaches her term limit after serving nearly a decade in office. His entry into the gubernatorial race immediately positions him as a formidable candidate with strong name recognition and fundraising capabilities.

Tuberville outlined a vision focused on education improvement, manufacturing job growth, and addressing illegal immigration in Alabama. “Today, I will announce that I will be the future Governor of the great state of Alabama,” Tuberville declared. “I’m a football coach. I’m a leader. I’m a builder. I’m a recruiter, and we’re going to grow Alabama.” His campaign has already demonstrated significant momentum, raising $2 million within the first 24 hours of his announcement. This financial strength, coupled with his close alignment to President Donald Trump, has reportedly caused several potential rivals to reconsider their own gubernatorial ambitions. 

Senate Seat Creates Competitive Primary

Tuberville’s decision not to seek reelection opens his Senate seat for the 2026 midterm elections, creating what promises to be a highly competitive race. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson have already announced their candidacies, with several other current and former officials expressing interest. The filing deadline isn’t until January 2026, leaving ample time for additional candidates to enter the race. Political observers expect a crowded primary field with names like Mo Brooks, John Merrill, and Kent Davis potentially joining the contest. 

Notably absent from the list of potential candidates is Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl, whom Tuberville personally advised against running. Tuberville, who transitioned from coaching to politics himself, cited the significant compensation differences between college coaching and public service as a major deterrent. This practical advice reflects Tuberville’s own experience making a similar career change when he defeated Jeff Sessions in the 2020 Republican Senate primary before going on to defeat Democratic Sen. Doug Jones in the general election. 

Trump’s Influence Looms Large

While maintaining his own neutrality in the upcoming Senate primary, Tuberville acknowledged the significant influence President Donald Trump will likely have on the race’s outcome. Though Trump has not made any endorsements yet, Tuberville predicts the President may initially remain neutral but could eventually intervene if one candidate demonstrates clear superiority. This assessment comes from Tuberville’s own experience with Trump’s endorsement practices during his 2020 Senate run. In Alabama, where Republican candidates dominate statewide races, Trump’s endorsement could effectively determine who succeeds Tuberville.

Tuberville’s Senate tenure has been marked by close alignment with Trump’s policies and priorities. He gained national attention in 2023 for blocking military promotions over a Pentagon abortion policy, a move that resonated with his conservative base. Now, as he sets his sights on the governor’s mansion, Tuberville appears poised to continue positioning himself as a Trump ally while stepping back from direct involvement in selecting his Senate successor. While he may offer advice to Trump if asked, Tuberville emphasized his intention to focus on his gubernatorial campaign rather than influencing the Senate primary.

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