Parties react to Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s run for governor of Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — The Alabama governor’s race is heating up, as Sen. Tommy Tuberville was the first candidate to announce his run for the role Tuesday.

Alabama GOP Chairman John Wahl said Tuberville would be a great leader in the role, but Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley disagrees.

“Sen. Tuberville has proven that he is a leader and that he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in,” Wahl said. “I think that’s what the people of Alabama look for in politicians.”

“I think, if he wins governor, the whole state will be in bad shape, really …,” Kelley said. “We certainly don’t need a Tuberville. We need to be going forward, not going backward.”

When asked if he would run for governor, former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones said he would not give a definitive answer. Kelley said the party has viable candidates for Senate and governor, though he wouldn’t reveal names. Kelley explained candidates will be getting together Oct. 11 at a state meeting of the party in Birmingham.

“A Democrat who is able to articulate the issues of the Democratic Party … and also to prevail in the political climate under the Trump administration,” Kelley said.

Tuberville’s announcement opens up one of Alabama’s Senate seats in Washington. For Republicans, Wahl said Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is one to watch for in running for that seat.

“Who knows,” Wahl said. “There’s always those dark horses in the race that no one may be thinking about early on but end up running and become very serious candidates later.”

Tuberville spoke with reporters following the announcement at Byron’s Smokehouse in Auburn. He said education will be a focus for him in office.

“I want to do what’s best for the state of Alabama. I live here. My family lives here,” Tuberville said. “My two boys are going to be here for a long time. We’ve gotten a lot accomplished in the last four or five months with President Trump. I’ll still be there for 18 months, so it’s going to be a double duty until that point.”

The primaries for governor will take place May 19, 2026. Other roles, like attorney general and lieutenant governor, will also be up for grabs.