Alabama Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville is departing from the Senate as he sets out on a mission to become the next governor of the state
“As you know, I coached, and it was a wonderful experience. We formed some great friendships. It’s been a lot of enjoyment,” the senator, who had a successful tenure as a football coach at Auburn University, stated.
“I am undertaking this endeavor to assist this country and the great state of Alabama,” the senator remarked. “I am a football coach. I am a leader. I am a builder. I am a recruiter, and we are going to advance Alabama.”
“We will bring manufacturing to this state. We will put an end to illegal immigration. We will enhance education once more, and we will do everything possible to ensure our children… remain in this state and find employment,” he asserted.
The senator has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump to succeed the term-limited Republican Governor Kay Ivey.
Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announced last week that he would not pursue the position, which nearly guarantees that Tuberville will become the next governor of the deeply Republican state.
The last Democrat to hold the governorship was former Governor Don Siegelman, who served one term from January 18, 1999, to January 20, 2003.
Since that time, the governorship has remained under Republican control, with Governors Bob Riley, Robert Bentley, and Ivey each serving two terms.
The senator mentioned that while he prepares to campaign for governor, he still has responsibilities in the Senate, such as passing President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson is cautioning that a small number of Senate Republicans might jeopardize President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” by removing essential components that are crucial to the president’s agenda.
In an interview on CBS News’ “Face The Nation,” Johnson further cautioned that the Republican-led U.S. Senate could eliminate the provision in the House-approved bill that prevents activist judges from issuing nationwide injunctions in every case.
“Before I let you go, I would like to inquire about another clause that was included in this bill. Democrats argue that it undermines the separation of powers and penalizes the courts. It is a specific clause that would limit a federal court’s authority to enforce injunctions with contempt unless a bond is attached. It may seem quite technical, but it has sparked significant backlash. If this is likely to be removed in the Senate anyway, what was the purpose of including it?” Brennan questioned.
“We included it because it is our duty in Congress. It pertains to the separation of powers. Currently, there are a few activist judges across the nation who are misusing that authority. They are issuing these nationwide injunctions. They are — they are participating in political actions from the bench. That is not the intended function of our system. Consequently, people have lost their — their — their trust in our justice system. We must restore it. Implementing a straightforward reform like that is something I believe everyone should support,” Johnson replied.
Later in the discussion, Johnson criticized a misleading assertion from liberals that the “Big Beautiful Bill” would eliminate Medicaid for individuals.
“We have not reduced Medicaid, nor have we cut SNAP. What we are addressing, Margaret, is fraud, waste, and abuse,” he stated.
**AUBURN, AL** – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) officially announced his campaign for Governor of Alabama in the 2026 election on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The former Auburn University head football coach, who often refers to himself as “Coach,” made the long-anticipated announcement from an Auburn barbecue restaurant, surrounded by family and supporters.
Tuberville’s decision to seek the state’s highest office rather than a second term in the U.S. Senate sets the stage for a significant shake-up in Alabama’s political landscape. Incumbent Republican Governor Kay Ivey is term-limited and cannot seek re-election, leaving an open seat in a heavily Republican state.
In his announcement, Tuberville vowed to fight for President Donald Trump’s “America First agenda,” pledging to “stop illegal immigration dead in its tracks,” improve education, bring manufacturing jobs to the state, and protect conservative values. He emphasized his background as a “leader” and “builder” from his coaching career, suggesting he would bring a similar approach to the governor’s mansion.
Tuberville, who was first elected to the Senate in 2020 with a strong endorsement from then-President Trump, has been a staunch ally of the current administration. During his tenure in the Senate, he gained national attention for his months-long blockade of military promotions in protest of a Pentagon policy regarding abortion access for service members.
His entry into the gubernatorial race immediately makes him a formidable contender, given his high name recognition and strong support among conservative voters in Alabama.
However, Tuberville’s candidacy is not without its challenges. The Alabama Democratic Party has already indicated its intent to challenge his eligibility to run for governor based on the state constitution’s residency requirements. Section 117 mandates that a governor must have been a “resident citizen of this state at least seven years next before the date of their election.” Tuberville moved to Florida in 2016, though he has maintained a homestead exemption for a property in Auburn dating back to 2018 and insists he meets all residency criteria.
With Tuberville now officially in the race, other potential Republican candidates for governor are expected to reassess their own bids, while the race for his open U.S. Senate seat is already beginning to draw candidates, including Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. The 2026 gubernatorial election promises to be one of Alabama’s most closely watched political contests.
