Tommy Tuberville Kicks Off Alabama Governor Campaign

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville officially announced his gubernatorial campaign in Auburn on Tuesday, focusing on reforming K-12 education, promoting economic growth, and managing federal programs at the state level.

With his Senate term concluding in 2026, Tuberville plans to dedicate the rest of his time in Washington while running for Alabama’s top executive position. He believes this transition represents a natural evolution in his public service career, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to the country.

A longtime supporter of former President Donald Trump, Tuberville noted that his campaign aligns with Trump’s vision of redistributing power and resources from the federal government back to the states. He commended Trump’s recent initiatives, suggesting that Alabama should be ready to leverage those policies.

Tuberville intends to fulfill the remaining 18 months of his Senate term simultaneously with his campaign for governor, referring to this dual role as “double duty.”

“In the last few months, we’ve accomplished quite a bit with President Trump,” he remarked. “I’ve still got 18 months left, but I want to prioritize what’s best for the state.”

Improving K-12 education is Tuberville’s primary focus, which he sees as crucial for building a strong workforce and economic base. He criticized the current system for focusing too heavily on higher education at the cost of essential skills.

“If you can’t read or write, you’re not going to learn,” he stated. “Too many young people in this state are reading at the sixth or seventh-grade level, and that’s unacceptable.”

When discussing the Education Lottery, Tuberville expressed that he would rather leave those decisions to Congress and the voters, rather than endorse gambling outright.

“It’s about the people,” he explained. “If they want it, great. If it fails, then we need to explore other options.”

Tuberville addressed questions about his residency, mentioning that he has owned property in Alabama since 2000 and is contemplating making it his home. While he acknowledged spending time in Florida and Washington, D.C., he maintained that his family is firmly established in Alabama.

“This is my home,” he affirmed. “Residency shouldn’t be a concern.”

He also mentioned his continued commitment to pushing for spending cuts and economic reforms in the Senate, while advancing his gubernatorial campaign.

“We need to cut our spending,” he asserted. “Otherwise, your taxes could increase by $2,000 to $3,000 a month. It needs to happen.”

Tuberville’s campaign website, CoachforGovernor.com, reflects the title that marked the beginning of his political journey as a football coach.