Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth (R-AL) has confirmed to Yellowhammer News that he will not seek the Republican nomination for the United States Senate seat currently held by Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) in 2020.

In a statement, Ainsworth said, “Over the past few months, I have been touched and honored by the citizens across Alabama who have encouraged me to run for the U.S. Senate. Their support and enthusiasm means more than they can ever know.”

However, he explained that the timing is not right this election cycle.

“After deep discussions with my wife, Kendall, and prayerful guidance from above, I have determined this is simply not the right time for me to serve our state and our nation in Washington, D.C.,” Ainsworth advised.

He continued, “With twin, 9-year-old boys and a 7-year-old daughter, I cannot be the absentee father that service in Washington demands. The memories we can make together at their ages are too important to sacrifice.”

Ainsworth anticipates serving his full term as lieutenant governor and emphasized that he will enthusiastically work to help replace Jones in 2020 with a strong Republican nominee.

“I also swore an oath to serve as Lieutenant Governor when my fellow Alabamians elected me to this office, and I plan to keep that commitment by fulfilling my term,” Ainsworth concluded. “Best of luck to my fellow Republicans who enter the race, and let’s make sure our current senator becomes known as ‘One and Done Doug.’”

This comes as Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-01) is set to campaign in Ainsworth’s home city of Guntersville on Wednesday, April 17.

Byrne will hold a town hall “regarding issues ranging from illegal immigration to health care to veterans’ issues,” according to a press release.

Byrne and former Auburn University head football coach Tommy Tuberville are the only announced Republican candidates against Jones thus far.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn