WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he is “still praying about” whether to run for governor in 2026, despite a report saying he told donors he would enter the race.
Yellowhammer News reported Thursday that Tuberville told donors at an event Wednesday night that “his mind is officially made up” about running to be Alabama’s next governor.
Shortly after the report came out, Tuberville posted that “Suzanne and I are still praying about how to best serve the people of Alabama. When I have an official announcement about my future, you’ll hear it directly from me.”
For months, Tuberville has been considering a run for the state’s top job instead of seeking reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2026. Yellowhammer News reported that a “campaign announcement is imminent.”
Tuberville is expected to decide in May. Candidates for statewide office can start fundraising on May 26, a year ahead of the 2026 primaries.
Tuberville running for governor would leave his Senate seat open. Former Trump voter turned critic Kyle Sweetser announced last week that he will run for the seat as a Democrat.
Tuberville entered the Senate in 2021 after defeating Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones in the general election, winning about 60% of the vote.
Gov. Kay Ivey is term-limited, leaving the race open to succeed her. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is considering a run, but said he won’t make an announcement until after the legislative session. Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate has also expressed interest in the job in the past.
In March, Tuberville told Alabama Daily News he was interested in the state’s top office.
“If you’re the CEO of a state then you can help more in a certain amount of time,” Tuberville said. “I’m not going to be up here forever, even if I do stay.”