Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl is reportedly considering a run for the open U.S. Senate seat in Alabama in 2026.
With the announcement from U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville about his candidacy for governor of Alabama, rumors have emerged regarding Pearl’s potential campaign.
Emily Jacobs, a Congressional correspondent for Jewish Insider, noted that Pearl plans to make a final decision about running by the end of the month.
“Bruce Pearl, the boys basketball coach at Auburn University, is inclined to run to fill the seat being vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, but he’s allowing himself until the end of the month to conclude his decision,” Jacobs shared on Tuesday. “If he runs, Pearl would be the only Jewish Republican in the Senate and is considering participating in a summer meeting with Alabama campaign operatives and GOP Senators.”
Last week, at a Mikes Live Foundation blue shoes ball, Pearl acknowledged that he was contemplating a run.
“That’s definitely something on my mind,” Pearl stated to reporters at the event. “But, of course, I’m focused on practicing today and tomorrow.”
A recent Cygnal Poll revealed that among likely GOP voters, 24% expressed support for Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, while 12.9% favored Pearl. In comparison, Jared Hudson, a Navy SEAL, garnered 3%, while another candidate with 8.8% (R-Enterprise) is also in the mix.
