Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, a steadfast ally of President Donald Trump, announced he will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2026. Instead, Tuberville is pivoting to a gubernatorial bid, setting his sights on the Alabama governor’s mansion as Republican Gov. Kay Ivey nears the end of her final term due to term limits.

“I’m doing this to help this country and the great state of Alabama,” Tuberville told Fox News. “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, who won his Senate seat in 2020, has consistently aligned himself with the conservative agenda championed by President Trump. Now, with a clear path opening in Montgomery, he’s looking to bring that same America First leadership to state government.

On his campaign website, Tuberville is doubling down on the issues that resonate deeply with Alabama’s conservative base.

“I’m standing up for Alabama values” and “fighting back against woke ideology,” he declares.

“My record over the last four years in Washington has proven that I’m not afraid to say it like it is,” he writes. “I believe, as Alabamians do, that men are men and women are women. Allowing men to compete in women’s sports is wrong.”

Tuberville isn’t mincing words when it comes to the cultural issues dividing the nation. He continues:

“Poisonous ideologies like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), which teach our kids to hate each other, should have no place in our government or our schools. And zero taxpayer dollars should go towards abortions.”

“Like President Trump, I’ll continue to protect common sense and stand up for our shared conservative values in Montgomery,” Tuberville added.

The senator’s strong entry into the race has quickly redefined the field. Politico has already dubbed Tuberville the “frontrunner,” noting that other prominent Republicans are steering clear of the contest. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, once considered a likely candidate, has confirmed he won’t be running for governor, according to WAFF-TV.

Meanwhile, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, who is also term-limited, has indicated he could pursue Tuberville’s Senate seat if it becomes vacant.

“If that seat becomes open, the Senate’s been sort of an overlay interest for what I’ve had at attorney general, the work we’ve done federally, many of the issues that we’ve been involved with, if that’s an open seat, I think we’ll be prepared to pivot quickly and make an announcement on whether or not we’d run,” Marshall recently stated.

There’s also speculation about Auburn University men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl potentially entering the political arena. But Tuberville, a former Auburn football coach himself, dismissed the idea.

“I wouldn’t let him do it because he did such a good job at Auburn,” he joked. “We need him there.”

As The Hill noted, Tuberville is now the second Republican senator to bow out of the 2026 race, joining Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has announced this term will be his last.

With Alabama voters ready for new leadership, Tuberville’s decision to return home and fight for traditional values from the governor’s office marks a powerful shift — and a campaign that’s sure to keep the state in strong conservative hands.