Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, a staunch Trump ally and former football coach, announced his bid for Alabama governor in 2026, positioning himself as a champion of conservative values against woke ideology and illegal immigration.
Key Takeaways
- Senator Tommy Tuberville will run for Alabama governor in 2026, aiming to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Kay Ivey
- Tuberville, a strong Trump ally, will not seek a second Senate term, creating an open seat for the next midterm elections
- His campaign emphasizes “conservative Alabama values,” focusing on manufacturing growth, stopping illegal immigration, and improving education
- Tuberville has gained national attention for blocking military promotions to protest Pentagon abortion policies
- As a former college football coach who transitioned to politics in 2020, Tuberville has leveraged his celebrity status and Trump alignment for political support
From Football Field to Governor’s Mansion
Senator Tommy Tuberville formally announced his candidacy for Alabama governor on Tuesday, making him a frontrunner to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Kay Ivey in 2026. The announcement clarifies Tuberville’s political future as he will not seek reelection to the Senate, where he has served since defeating Democrat Doug Jones in 2020. Tuberville’s decision to pursue the governorship capitalizes on his strong name recognition in Alabama, where he previously coached Auburn University’s football team before transitioning to politics with President Trump’s endorsement.
Tuberville launched his campaign with a website highlighting his commitment to “conservative Alabama values” and made his first post-announcement appearance on Fox News. During the interview, he emphasized his leadership credentials and vision for the state. “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,” Tuberville said.
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 Priorities and Presidential Support
Tuberville’s gubernatorial platform reflects his established record as one of the Senate’s most conservative members. He has positioned himself as a defender of traditional values, strongly opposing progressive policies on gender, education, and immigration. His campaign emphasizes clear positions on hot-button issues, including his firm stance that “men are men and women are women” and that “allowing men to compete in women’s sports is wrong,” Tommy Tuberville stated on his campaign website.
“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,” Tuberville said.
President Trump has been “fully supportive” of Tuberville’s gubernatorial ambitions, according to the senator. This endorsement carries significant weight in Alabama, where Trump remains extremely popular among Republican voters. The Club for Growth, an influential fiscal conservative group, has also expressed support for Tuberville’s candidacy. With Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announcing he would not seek the governorship, Tuberville’s path to the Republican nomination appears increasingly clear.
National Profile and Controversial Stands
Tuberville gained national attention during his Senate tenure for his controversial nine-month hold on military promotions to protest Pentagon policies that provide travel allowances for service members seeking abortions. This stance highlighted his pro-life convictions and opposition to using taxpayer dollars for abortion-related expenses. He has also been an outspoken critic of what he calls “poisonous ideologies” like Critical Race Theory and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in education and government institutions.
On border security, Tuberville has consistently advocated for stricter immigration enforcement and supported legislation to curb illegal entry. His strong positions on Second Amendment rights include opposition to additional gun control measures. These conservative credentials align perfectly with Alabama’s political landscape, where Republican candidates have dominated statewide elections for more than a decade. Tuberville’s campaign represents a continuation of his straightforward political style that resonates with Alabama voters who value traditional conservative principles and strong leadership.
