If Tuberville walks, who runs? A look at possible 2026 U.S. Senate contenders

This week following reports of Tommy Tuberville’s increasing interest in running for Governor of Alabama in 2026, a new political reality could take shape: His U.S. Senate seat could be an open race on the ballot in just over a year.

With Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth digging into his bid for the state’s top office, regardless of Tuberville’s potential candidacy – if Coach made a run for it – here’s who might try to take his spot in the U.S. Senate:

Steve Marshall

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall stands as one of the strongest contenders in a potential Senate race. Although he ruled out running for Governor in ‘26 — he’s reportedly game on for Senate. With one of the highest name recognitions in the state and a vast network of donors nationwide, Marshall is primed to lead this field early. He is a proven force on a statewide ballot and has the federal electability to be interested. After eight years of service as Alabama AG and Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth appearing locked in to the Governor’s race, Marshall’s most promising avenue for political advancement would be running for U.S. Senate. If that door is indeed open in 2026, expect Marshall to consider it strongly.

Twinkle Cavanaugh

As one of the most recognizable names among potential candidates, Cavanaugh has an advantage that others do not: She can run for U.S. Senate while still serving in her current role. She’s conservative and well-liked among local GOP groups across the state. She maintains deep connections with party leaders and donors alike and could pick up early support from national conservative groups. If the seat becomes open, she very well might run — especially since she can definitely keep running the PSC.

Dale Strong

As it turns out, no discussion around an open senate seat should take place without including second-term North Alabama Congressman Dale Strong. Word out of Washington is that he is well-liked by his colleagues and well-respected by House leadership. A recent addition to the almighty U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Strong has moved up in Congress at breakneck pace. But he’s popular back home too. First elected to the Madison County Commission in 1996, he was at that time the youngest Republican elected official in the State of Alabama. He’s won every race he’s been in by big margins. Which begs the question: Would polling show favor on a statewide Strong for Senate candidacy? A known commodity in Trump world, Strong would definitely try to duke it out for the President’s endorsement.

Cliff Sims

Sims, at an inflection point in his unforgettable careers both in Alabama and Washington D.C., is speculated to be interested in an open U.S. Senate race in 2026 if the timing is right. Sims is well-connected within and throughout the Trump network, which could prove crucial in a high-profile race like this. His ability to fundraise might determine whether his candidacy gains traction. But most recently, Sims founded a consulting firm with fellow former Trump administration officials as well as former U.S. Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy. Sims, a Wiregrass native, still calls Alabama home after travels across the country with the 2024 Trump campaign, and across the world as a senior intelligence community official during the first Trump administration. If the seat becomes open, he might make a play for it.

Caroleene Dobson

With solid name recognition in Montgomery, Mobile and the surrounding area Dobson has quickly gained prominence in Alabama politics. She recently triumphed over two well-established state lawmakers in the GOP Primary for the newly-redrawn 2nd Congressional District, and cemented her status as a rising star. Her performance in this district outpaced Trump’s numbers, earning her a ranking in the top 10 for over-performance in contested Congressional races by Cooks Political Report. Needless to say, when it comes to state politics, Dobson isn’t going away anytime soon. Could that include a bid for an open U.S. Senate seat? Reports indicate she’s weighing all her options in 2026.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.