Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has officially announced his campaign for governor of Alabama in the 2026 election, pledging to put the state—and its people—first with a bold, America First agenda.
Tuberville made the announcement on Memorial Day, both during an appearance on national television and in person at Byron’s Smokehouse in Auburn, the same location where he kicked off his successful 2020 Senate campaign. The choice of venue underscored Tuberville’s deep connection to Alabama and his grassroots appeal.
“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. “We’re going to bring manufacturing back to this state. We’re going to stop this illegal immigration. We’re going to make education better again.”
Tuberville, a former Auburn University head football coach, won his U.S. Senate seat in 2020 with the full backing of President Donald Trump. Now, he’s seeking to return home and lead the state with a renewed focus on job creation, border security, education reform, and protecting Alabama values.
His campaign, launched under the banner “Coach for Governor,” promotes Tuberville’s record as a principled conservative and an unapologetic supporter of Trump’s America First movement. His platform focuses on revitalizing Alabama’s economy, ending sanctuary policies, improving public education, and standing up to federal overreach.
Tuberville’s entry into the race sets up a new chapter in Alabama politics as incumbent Governor Kay Ivey is term-limited and cannot seek reelection. With other potential contenders such as Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate reportedly sitting out, Tuberville is seen as the clear Republican frontrunner.
His decision to pursue the governorship will also open up his U.S. Senate seat, though most observers expect that seat to remain solidly Republican.
The 2026 Alabama gubernatorial election is shaping up to be a major political battleground for the future of the state. Tuberville’s message is clear: restore common sense, defend conservative values, and lead Alabama into a stronger, more self-reliant future.