Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, a Republican and former college football coach, formally announced his candidacy for governor on Tuesday, setting the stage for a high-profile race to succeed term-limited Governor Kay Ivey in 2026.
Tuberville, 70, made the announcement during an appearance on Fox News and at Byron’s Smokehouse in Auburn—the same venue where he launched his Senate campaign in 2019.
Surrounded by supporters in Auburn and Alabama colors and wearing hats emblazoned with “Coach,” Tuberville declared, “Today, I will announce that I will be the future governor of the great state of Alabama.”
Positioning himself as a close ally of President Donald J. Trump, Tuberville emphasized his commitment to conservative values and pledged to “put Alabama first.”
His campaign platform includes boosting the state’s manufacturing base, enhancing education, and strengthening border security.
A new campaign website, “Coach for Governor,” highlights his political priorities and underscores his military advocacy and ties to Trump.
Tuberville’s entry into the race has already reshaped the Republican primary field. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth and Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, both widely viewed as potential contenders, have stepped aside, paving the way for Tuberville to become an early frontrunner.
His candidacy, however, is not without controversy. Questions have emerged about whether Tuberville meets Alabama’s residency requirement for gubernatorial candidates, which mandates seven years of in-state residency.
While Tuberville owns homes in both Auburn and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, he has insisted that he has resided primarily in Alabama since 2019. The Alabama Democratic Party has indicated it may challenge his eligibility in court.
During his Senate tenure, Tuberville has become a polarizing figure. He drew bipartisan criticism for blocking hundreds of military promotions for 10 months in protest of the Pentagon’s abortion-related travel policy.
His political career has also been marred by public misstatements and ethical scrutiny over campaign fundraising.
Despite the controversies, Tuberville’s celebrity status as a former Auburn University football coach and his loyalty to Trump have cemented his popularity with much of Alabama’s Republican base.
His decision to run for governor leaves questions about the future of his Senate seat, though he has stated he will serve out his term, which ends in 2028. Some political observers have floated the name of Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl as a potential future candidate.
As the 2026 election cycle begins to take shape, Tuberville’s campaign is expected to focus heavily on Trump-era policies and themes of populist conservatism, setting the tone for what could be a heated and closely watched race.
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