MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Embattled former Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis is now “strongly considering” a run for governor or other state offices, he told Alabama Daily News Thursday.
“I’m in a position in life where I’m retired from federal, civil service and military, (and) I can think about things like that, and I do feel like I have something left to offer,” Davis told ADN. “I’ve had senior leadership positions in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, here in Alabama, our roots are here in Alabama (and) I’ve lived my whole life here except for military service.”
Others considering a run for governor in 2026 include Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and Alabama Department of Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said “never say never” this week when asked about a possible run, according to Yellowhammer News.
Gov. Kay Ivey is term limited.
Davis was at the center of an inter-agency dispute last year that ultimately led to Gov. Kay Ivey removing him in October from his position leading the ADVA, accusing him of mishandling federal grant money. Davis denies the allegation and has threatened to sue in retaliation. Legislation to change the leadership structure at the ADVA is expected soon as a result of the months-long saga.
Davis, who this week attended two ADVA board meetings, served as the agency commissioner since 2019. He served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring with the rank of admiral. Davis said he first considered running for office after an op-ed published by 1819 News last month endorsed him for governor.
Two-term Lt. Gov. Ainsworth, considered a likely frontrunner in 2026, on Thursday told ADN his priority right now is the upcoming legislative session and he likely won’t have a campaign announcement until it’s over in May.
“As lieutenant governor, I preside over the Senate and I’ve got an obligation to focus on the session,” he said. “Once session is over, I think we’ll make an announcement on our plans for the future.”
Pate, who is also term-limited as ag commissioner, on Thursday told ADN he’ll make a decision about a 2026 run for governor next month, in time to get a team together before May fundraising begins.
The 2026 primary election is May 26 and candidates for state offices can begin raising funds a year prior.
Last May, Pate told ADN he and his wife were considering a run, but he also wanted to focus on his current office.
Ainsworth has about $1.3 million on hand for his next political run, according to his last annual campaign finance report. Pate had $138,461 available after his last ag commissioner run.