Republican Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville is poised to make a run for governor of Alabama in 2026, according to early reports.
During April’s congressional recess, the former college football coach and first-term senator told a group of donors at a private event he has decided to run for governor of Alabama rather than seek reelection to the Senate, Alabama-based conservative outlet Yellowhammer News reported April 24. Although an official announcement from Tuberville is expected in May, he has reportedly been having discussions with his Republican colleagues about his plans to launch a gubernatorial campaign for months.
In response to the early reports of his gubernatorial run, Tuberville posted a statement to X through his campaign account, saying he and his wife are “still praying” about making a decision.
Semafor reported April 25 that the senator “is telling his Senate colleagues that he’s planning to run for governor of Alabama, according to two people familiar with the conversations.”
Incumbent Republican Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is term-limited and cannot run for re-election to a third full term in 2026. Ivey, 80, has served as governor since 2017.
Tuberville has reported having over $628,327.28 cash on hand at the end of the first quarter of 2025— funds that can be put towards a gubernatorial campaign under Alabama FCPA law.
John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama Republican Party told the Daily Caller News Foundation he expects Tuberville, who recently had his first grandchild, “to most likely run for governor of Alabama,” predicting he wants to spend more time with his family.
“Sen. Tuberville is a bold conservative. He is someone that does not mind being politically incorrect and taking the hard stance for conservative values and I think that’s a great trait that our elected officials need in today’s politics,” Wahl told the DCNF. “I love the work he’s done in D.C. I think he’s been one of the fighters in the U.S. Senate, and he has really gone to bat for conservative principles and he has gone toe to toe with the Biden administration. These are the issues and the type of people that voters are looking for in the Republican primary.”
Rumors have been swirling around the Alabama senator since January when Tuberville told reporters, “you never say never” in response to questions about a future gubernatorial run. In March, reports surfaced that he was discussing the gubernatorial run with his fellow colleagues.
“In a brief interview, Tuberville told us he’s getting encouragement in both directions but said Trump has not offered him advice or guidance,” Punchbowl News reported in early March. “Tuberville added that his timeline for a decision is around May, noting that ‘you can’t raise money until June anyway.’”
The Alabama Republican’s first Senate term ends in 2026, meaning if he decides to run for governor, he will not be able to seek reelection to the upper chamber. Meanwhile, Democratic Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet announced his run for governor of Colorado in April, but because his Senate term extends to 2029, he would still keep his seat if his gubernatorial bid is unsuccessful.
Republican Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn is also considering a gubernatorial run, according to reports. She was reelected to the Senate in 2024, with her term extending until 2031. Blackburn would be in the same position as Bennet should she decide to run for governor in 2026 and win.
Wahl, who said the gubernatorial run could “very much be a ground shift” for the Republican primary in Alabama, said the race for governor could be a “clash of the titans” with Republican Lieutenant Gov. Will Ainsworth eyeing the state’s governor’s mansion as well.
“If [Ainsworth] decides to run for governor, you’re going to have two incredibly popular political figures going head to head,” Wahl told the DCNF. “These bold America first, people first, candidates are doing very well in primary elections and I think it’s because people are tired of the status quo, they’re tired of the political swamp and they’re looking for someone whether they’re at the state or federal level who will fight back and put people first again.”
Tuberville’s office did not immediately respond to the DCNF’s request for comment.
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