U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has officially announced his candidacy for Governor of Alabama in the 2026 election. The 70-year-old Republican made the declaration during an interview on Fox News' "Will Cain Show," confirming weeks of speculation about his political intentions.

Tuberville, a former Auburn University head football coach, transitioned into politics in 2020, securing his Senate seat with strong backing from then-President Donald Trump. His campaign website, "Coach for Governor," underscores his alignment with Trump's "America First" agenda and features images of him alongside Trump and U.S. military officers.

In his gubernatorial campaign, Tuberville aims to bolster manufacturing, enhance education, and curb illegal immigration. His entry into the race follows the term-limited tenure of current Republican Governor Kay Ivey. Political analysts suggest that Tuberville's national profile and conservative credentials position him as a leading contender.

Tuberville's announcement has reshaped the Republican field, especially after Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth decided not to run. His candidacy is expected to be a leading one in the race for Alabama's top executive office.

Born on September 18, 1954, in Camden, Arkansas, Tuberville enjoyed a 40-year career in college football coaching, including notable tenures at the University of Mississippi and Auburn University. At Auburn, he led the Tigers to an SEC Championship in 2004 and was named the Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year.

Transitioning to politics, Tuberville moved to Alabama in 2018 and announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2019. Aligning closely with then-President Donald Trump, he won the Republican primary against former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and defeated incumbent Democrat Doug Jones in the 2020 general election. He was sworn into the Senate on January 3, 2021.

As a U.S. Senator, Tuberville has been a staunch conservative, focusing on issues such as fiscal responsibility, education reform, and immigration control. He has served on several Senate committees, including Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Armed Services; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; and Veterans' Affairs.

In 2023, Tuberville garnered national attention for blocking hundreds of military promotions in protest of a Pentagon policy reimbursing travel expenses for service members seeking abortions. This move drew criticism from both parties and military officials, who argued it jeopardized national security and military readiness.

Tuberville's gubernatorial campaign, branded "Coach for Governor," emphasizes his commitment to boosting Alabama's economy, improving education, and curbing illegal immigration. His campaign website highlights his alignment with Trump's "America First" agenda and features images of him with Trump and U.S. military officers.

His entry into the race reshapes the Republican field, especially after Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth decided not to run. Political analysts suggest that Tuberville's national profile and strong conservative credentials position him as a leading contender.

Tuberville's candidacy underscores the ongoing influence of Trump-aligned politics within the Republican Party, particularly in deeply conservative states like Alabama. His campaign's focus on manufacturing, education, and immigration reflects key issues for Alabama voters. Additionally, his departure from the Senate raises questions about the future composition of Alabama's congressional delegation and potential shifts in political dynamics.

As the 2026 gubernatorial race unfolds, Tuberville's bid is expected to draw significant attention, given his high-profile background and the state's political landscape.