Sen. Tommy Tuberville Steps Down, Launches Run for Alabama Governor

Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville announced Tuesday that he will leave the U.S. Senate to pursue a new political path—running for governor of Alabama.

The former Auburn University football coach made the announcement during an appearance on Fox News with host Will Cain. Reflecting on his career and next steps, Tuberville expressed confidence in his decision to transition from federal lawmaking to state leadership.

“As you know, I spent years coaching and building young men into winners. That experience gave me leadership skills, team-building know-how, and the drive to make a difference,” he said. “A few years ago, I chose to give back to this great nation by entering public service. With strong support from President Trump, I ran for the Senate—and now, I’m ready for the next chapter. Today, I’m announcing that I’ll be running to be the next governor of the great state of Alabama.”

Tuberville said his goal is to apply the same values that made him successful in coaching to governing Alabama. “I’m a builder, a recruiter, and a leader. I’m going to bring jobs, opportunity, and integrity to every corner of this state.”

He emphasized his plans to prioritize education, economic growth, and public safety. “We’re going to bring back manufacturing, we’re going to improve education, and we’re going to put a stop to illegal immigration in Alabama,” Tuberville said. “Our kids should grow up with the opportunity to succeed right here at home—not feel like they have to leave the state to find a future.”

The senator’s gubernatorial bid has already been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, a key ally who has remained influential in shaping GOP leadership across the country.

With current Governor Kay Ivey nearing the end of her term limit, the race is expected to be heavily contested—though Tuberville now appears to be the clear frontrunner. Alabama’s Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth recently announced that he would not seek the governorship, which clears a major obstacle from Tuberville’s path.

The state has remained reliably Republican since former Democratic Governor Don Siegelman left office in 2003. Tuberville’s popularity, name recognition, and endorsement from Trump are expected to give him a significant advantage in the race.

While he prepares to hit the campaign trail, Tuberville assured voters he’s not abandoning his Senate responsibilities just yet. One of his remaining priorities is to push forward legislation aligned with the former president’s platform, specifically the “Big Beautiful Bill”—a sweeping Republican proposal addressing immigration, judicial reform, and government spending.

However, the bill’s future is uncertain. House Speaker Mike Johnson has warned that some Senate Republicans may try to weaken or remove critical elements of the legislation, particularly measures that limit the authority of federal judges.

In an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, Johnson voiced concern that the Senate may strip out a provision designed to curtail the ability of lower-court judges to issue nationwide injunctions. “We’re seeing activist judges impose their political views on the entire country,” he said. “This reform helps restore balance among the branches of government.”

When asked why Republicans included such controversial language in the bill, Johnson replied, “Because it’s our duty. This isn’t about partisanship—it’s about making sure the courts don’t overstep their role. The public’s faith in our legal system has been shaken, and restoring that trust means ensuring judges stay in their lane.”

Democrats have criticized the bill, claiming it undermines judicial independence and could hurt access to public benefits. But Johnson pushed back firmly against such claims, especially on the topic of Medicaid and food assistance.

“We haven’t cut Medicaid, and we haven’t cut SNAP,” Johnson clarified. “What we’re doing is targeting fraud and abuse. We want to make sure those who truly need help get it—and that taxpayer money isn’t being wasted or misused.”

As Tuberville prepares to leave Washington for Montgomery, his campaign is expected to emphasize a strong connection to Trump-era policies, an outsider appeal rooted in his coaching background, and a no-nonsense approach to governance.

He ended his Fox News segment with a call to action for Alabamians: “Let’s keep fighting for what matters. Let’s bring pride, jobs, and hope back to our communities. Together, we’re going to grow Alabama stronger than ever before.”

With deep Republican roots, a vacant governor’s seat, and Trump’s backing, Tuberville’s transition from senator to gubernatorial hopeful may signal a new chapter—not just for his career, but for Alabama politics as a whole.