Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville has officially announced his candidacy for the Alabama governorship in 2026, as declared on May 27. Known for his previous tenure as a college football coach at Auburn University from 1999 to 2008, Tuberville has embraced the title “Coach” among his Senate colleagues since he began his political journey in 2021.
His campaign website prominently features the slogan “Coach Tuberville for governor,” along with a testimonial from former President Donald Trump, who praised Tuberville as “a great champion and man of courage.” Tuberville’s close alignment with Trump has been a defining aspect of his political narrative.
As he enters the race, Tuberville becomes the first official Republican candidate to seek the governorship of Alabama, following Governor Kay Ivey’s decision not to run again due to term limits. The Republican primary is anticipated to be far more competitive than the general election, reflective of Alabama’s strong Republican leaning.
In the background of Tuberville’s political ascent lies his notable Senate primary victory in 2020, where he defeated former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. This contest was characterized by tumult, as Trump had publicly criticized Sessions, leading to Tuberville’s endorsement over him.
Recently, Tuberville made headlines for his controversial actions in the Senate, including blocking numerous military promotions as a stand against a Biden-era Department of Defense policy. This policy allows service members to take paid time off for necessary travel related to receiving abortions, reflecting Tuberville’s commitment to his conservative agenda.
This forthcoming gubernatorial race promises to be an intriguing chapter in Alabama politics, providing voters with a candidate who embodies a blend of sports and strategic conservatism. Tuberville’s campaign signals a continuing influence of Trump-era politics on local governance, as he seeks to rally support from Alabama’s Republican base for the upcoming election.
The landscape of Alabama’s political field will be worth watching as Tuberville’s campaign unfolds.