Trump ally Senator Tommy Tuberville has officially declared his candidacy for Alabama governor in 2026, leveraging his proven leadership skills to promote strong border security, pro-life values, and Second Amendment rights across the state.
Key Takeaways
- Senator Tommy Tuberville will run for Alabama governor in 2026 to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Kay Ivey
- Tuberville, a strong Trump ally since winning his Senate seat in 2020, has launched a campaign centered on “conservative Alabama values”
- His platform focuses on bringing manufacturing jobs to Alabama, stopping illegal immigration, and improving education
- Tuberville has established himself as a conservative leader by blocking military promotions over Pentagon abortion policies and advocating for strong border security
- His decision creates an open Senate seat in Alabama for the next midterm elections
From Football Coach to Gubernatorial Candidate
Senator Tommy Tuberville announced his bid for Alabama governor on Tuesday, positioning himself as the frontrunner to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Kay Ivey in 2026. The former college football coach turned politician confirmed he will not seek a second term in the Senate, instead focusing his efforts on leading his home state. Tuberville’s transition from sports to politics has been marked by his close alignment with President Trump, who supported his successful 2020 Senate campaign against incumbent Democrat Doug Jones.
Following his announcement, Tuberville appeared on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show” to outline his vision for Alabama. He emphasized his leadership credentials and plan to revitalize the state’s economy through manufacturing growth, education reform, and strict immigration enforcement. Alabama’s political landscape has already shifted in response to Tuberville’s announcement, with Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, previously considered a likely contender, declaring he would not seek the governorship.
Former Auburn football coach and current Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) @CoachForGov launched his gubernatorial campaign on Tuesday, touting his "conservative Alabama values." pic.twitter.com/aGwPz3cSMz
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 27, 2025
Conservative Values at the Forefront
Tuberville’s campaign website prominently features his commitment to traditional conservative principles. The Senator has consistently championed pro-life policies, taking a firm stand against the use of taxpayer dollars for abortion-related travel and services. His opposition to Pentagon policies allowing service members to travel for abortion procedures led him to block military promotions, showcasing his willingness to take bold action in defense of his convictions.
“I’m doing this to help this country and the great state of Alabama. I’m a football coach. I’m a leader. I’m a builder. I’m a recruiter, and we’re going to grow Alabama,” according to Tuberville, U.S. Senator
The Senator has gained attention for his uncompromising stance on gender issues, clearly stating his position that biological differences between men and women should be recognized and respected. This perspective extends to his opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, a topic he addresses directly on his campaign website. Tuberville has also criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and Critical Race Theory (CRT), describing them as “poisonous ideologies” that have no place in Alabama’s education system.
Border Security and Second Amendment Rights
Immigration enforcement represents another cornerstone of Tuberville’s platform. The Senator has consistently advocated for stricter border security measures and legislation to curb illegal immigration. This aligns with his broader “America First” approach to governance, prioritizing the needs and security of American citizens. His campaign materials emphasize the importance of protecting Alabama communities from the impacts of unchecked migration and the associated criminal activities that can accompany it.
“We’re going to bring manufacturing to this state. We’re going to stop this illegal immigration. We’re going to make education better again, and we’re going to do everything possible to make sure our kids… stay in this state and work,” according to Tuberville, U.S. Senator
As a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, Tuberville has consistently opposed additional gun control measures. His campaign highlights his commitment to protecting the constitutional right to bear arms, an issue that resonates strongly with Alabama’s conservative voter base. With the backing of President Trump and influential conservative groups like the Club for Growth, Tuberville enters the gubernatorial race with significant momentum and national support, positioning himself as the candidate who will ensure Alabama remains a stronghold of traditional American values.
