Since US Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) announced his candidacy for Governor of Alabama, there has been talk about another prominent Auburn coach who might be eyeing Tuberville’s Senate seat.
Last month, a report from semafor indicated that discussions among Republicans had considered Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl as a potential candidate to fill the vacancy left by Tuberville.
Related: Could Auburn’s Coach Pearl make a Senate run? Some believe it’s a possibility
Pearl, who has found considerable success with the Tigers, has not shied away from political matters. However, should he decide to pursue a Republican Senate run, he faces significant hurdles.
Alabama Republican regulations restrict individuals who have contributed to candidates from other parties in the past six years from voting. This could be a significant obstacle for Pearl, especially given his $1,000 contribution to the committee of Shomali figures (D-Mobile) through the American Israeli Public Relations Committee (AIPAC) during the 2024 election cycle. He also made a $1,000 donation to Rep. Don Davis, DN.C.
Related: Research indicates AG Marshall is among other possible candidates for the Senate race
While the steering committee might vote to include Pearl on the ballot, insiders in the Alabama Republican Party appear skeptical about this possibility.
Pearl has been a strong supporter of Israel and has aligned with the Trump administration on various issues. Still, concerns linger about some of his previous political views that might not align perfectly with the current priorities of the Republican Party.
For instance, Pearl participated in a Black Lives Matter protest back in 2020, and there are well-documented photos of him kneeling at that event.
Pearl kneeling outside the Auburn Police Station #auburn4change #BlackLivesMattters march: pic.twitter.com/8ihn1ofkpt
– Giana Han (@giana_jade) June 7, 2020
So far, the only candidates who have officially declared their intention to seek the party’s nomination for the US Senate are Attorney General Steve Marshall and former Navy Seal Jared Hudson.
