Tommy Tuberville Announces Run for Alabama Governor, Exiting Senate Amid Trump Endorsement
After years leading on the football field and serving in the U.S. Senate, Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville is making a major career move.
The former Auburn University football coach has officially launched his campaign for governor, signaling the end of his Senate tenure and kicking off a race poised to reshape Alabama’s political landscape.
Backed by former President Donald Trump and facing minimal opposition within his party, Tuberville’s announcement has already electrified voters across the state.
During a Tuesday evening interview on Fox News with Will Cain, Tuberville confirmed his decision to step away from the Senate to pursue Alabama’s top executive post. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “As you know, I coached, and it was a great time. We made lifelong friends.
It’s been a lot of fun. A few years ago, I decided to give back to this great country and run for the Senate with the support of President Trump. Now, I’m announcing my campaign to become the future governor of Alabama.”
Tuberville highlighted his leadership experience gained from coaching football, stating, “I’m a coach. I’m a leader. I’m a builder. I’m a recruiter. And we’re going to grow Alabama.” He laid out core campaign priorities including expanding manufacturing, enhancing border security, improving education, and retaining Alabama’s workforce and families.
President Trump quickly threw his support behind Tuberville, endorsing him to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Kay Ivey. With Alabama’s Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth opting not to enter the race, Tuberville faces a relatively clear path to the governorship.
The state has remained under Republican control since Democrat Don Siegelman’s term ended in 2003, with governors Bob Riley, Robert Bentley, and Kay Ivey each serving two terms.
While preparing for his gubernatorial bid, Tuberville continues his Senate work, including involvement in President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” House Speaker Mike Johnson recently voiced concern that some Senate Republicans might weaken the legislation by removing key provisions aligned with the former president’s agenda. On CBS News’ Face the Nation, Johnson defended critical elements of the bill, such as measures to restrict activist judges from issuing nationwide injunctions without posting bonds, framing these as essential to maintaining the separation of powers.
Johnson also refuted claims that the bill would cut Medicaid or SNAP benefits, emphasizing that the goal is to root out fraud and waste rather than reduce vital social services.
Conclusion
As Tuberville transitions from the Senate to the Alabama governor’s race, his campaign marks a pivotal moment in state politics. With strong backing from former President Trump and limited Republican challengers, Tuberville aims to leverage his leadership background to drive economic growth, bolster border security, and reform education. At the same time, ongoing federal debates over legislation like the “Big Beautiful Bill” underscore the complex interplay between national policy and state governance. Alabama voters will soon determine whether Tuberville’s blend of sports and political experience will lead the state forward..