Trump-Backed Tommy Tuberville Launches 2026 Alabama Governor Bid

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, has thrown his hat into the ring for Alabama’s 2026 gubernatorial race, leveraging his deep ties to the state and his conservative credentials. The former Auburn University football coach announced his candidacy on Tuesday, promising to bring his leadership playbook to Montgomery.

Tuberville’s campaign is built on a vision of economic growth and traditional values. He vows to boost manufacturing, curb illegal immigration, and revitalize education to keep Alabama’s youth rooted in the state. Speaking at an Auburn barbecue joint, surrounded by family and friends, he declared, "I’m a builder, a recruiter, and we’re going to grow Alabama."

With Trump’s full backing and support from the influential Club for Growth, Tuberville is poised as a frontrunner in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Kay Ivey. His decision follows weeks of speculation, fueled by private donor meetings where he signaled his ambitions. The move also opens up his Senate seat, setting the stage for a heated 2026 midterm in Alabama.

Tuberville’s political rise began in 2020 when he defeated Jeff Sessions in the GOP primary and ousted Democrat Sen. Doug Jones. His outsider appeal and Trump alignment resonated in the deep-red state. Now, he’s betting his coaching charisma and conservative stance will carry him to the governor’s mansion.