Republican Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville is gearing up for a 2026 run for governor, according to early reports. During April’s congressional recess, Tuberville told donors he plans to run for governor rather than seek Senate reelection, Yellowhammer News reported. An official announcement is expected in May, though Tuberville has reportedly been discussing his plans for months.
In response to the news, Tuberville posted on X that he and his wife are “still praying” about their decision. Semafor also reported that Tuberville is telling Senate colleagues about his gubernatorial plans. Two people familiar with the conversations confirmed it to the outlet on April 25.
Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, is term-limited and can’t seek a third full term in 2026. Ivey, 80, has been governor since 2017. Tuberville’s potential run would come at a key time for Alabama Republicans.
Tuberville reported over $628,327 in cash on hand at the end of the first quarter of 2025. Under Alabama law, that money can be used for a gubernatorial campaign. John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama GOP, said he expects Tuberville “to most likely run for governor of Alabama.”
“Sen. Tuberville is a bold conservative,” Wahl told the DCNF. “He is someone that does not mind being politically incorrect and taking the hard stance for conservative values.” Wahl added, “I love the work he’s done in D.C. He has really gone to bat for conservative principles and gone toe to toe with the Biden administration.”
Speculation about Tuberville’s future has been swirling since January. Back then, Tuberville told reporters, “you never say never” when asked about a gubernatorial run. In March, more reports surfaced that he was discussing it with 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. “His timeline for a decision is around May, noting that ‘you can’t raise money until June anyway.’” Tuberville’s Senate term ends in 2026, so a governor run would mean giving up his Senate seat.
Meanwhile, Sen. Michael Bennet announced a run for governor of Colorado, but his Senate term extends to 2029. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee is also considering a governor run, and her term runs through 2031. Both would be able to stay in the Senate if they lose.
Wahl said a Tuberville-Ainsworth matchup could be “very much a ground shift” for Alabama Republicans. “If [Ainsworth] decides to run for governor, you’re going to have two incredibly popular political figures going head to head,” Wahl said. “People are tired of the political swamp and they’re looking for someone who will fight back and put people first again.”