On Thursday morning, Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) endorsed Coach Tuberville for Governor of Alabama in 2026, speaking to their shared conservative principles, commitment to Alabama values, and dedication to economic growth and job creation.
“I look forward to working with my friend Senate Pro Tem Gudger to advance commonsense policies for Alabama,” U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) said.
“When President Trump visited Cullman in 2021, Garlan and I stood together on stage before tens of thousands of patriotic Alabamians – conservatives who demanded a government that puts people ahead of politics. That’s the kind of government I intend to deliver as Governor, and I am excited to work with Pro Tem Gudger. Together, we will build an even stronger Alabama.”
Gudger was elected to the Alabama Senate in 2018. He is a former Cullman City Councilman and current owner of Southern Accents Architectural Antiques.
In late 2024, Gudger was elected by fellow members of the Alabama Senate Republican Caucus to serve as President Pro Tem in a historic vote following Pro Tem Greg Reed’s exit to lead the Alabama Department of Workforce.
“Coach has been a battlefield general in the culture war – standing strong against the woke agenda that insists there are 74 genders, that men should compete in women’s sports, and that pornographic materials belong in children’s libraries,” Gudger said.
“At the same time, he’s committed to ensuring that businesses – from our largest employers to small mom-and-pop shops – have the tools they need to grow, expand, and provide good-paying jobs to hardworking Alabamians. Coach Tuberville shares our conservative beliefs and core values, and I know he will stand tall in the Governor’s office while making Alabama proud.”
He joins a deep bench of top officials and organizations in endorsing the former head coach and sitting senator, including U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Cullman), Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, the Business Council of Alabama, the Alabama Farmers Federation and others.
The upcoming legislative session will begin January 13, 2026. The Alabama Republican Party primary election for governor will be held on May 19, 2026.
Once elected as the Republican nominee for governor, Tuberville’s general election is set for November 3, 2026.
He is expected to take office in January 2027.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
