On Thursday, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, who was widely speculated as the frontrunner in the 2026 race for Governor of Alabama prior to this year, publicly backed the man who is now a lock for the open seat: U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville.
Tuberville (R-Auburn) announced his campaign in May, ending several months of speculation about whether he would run for governor or seek reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2026. Yesterday, Tuberville picked up his first formal endorsement from a statewide elected official in U.S. Senate colleague Katie Britt (R-Montgomery).
Today, Ainsworth made it clear who has his support as well.
“Since his election to the Senate, the same winning record and strong leadership that Coach Tuberville brought to the football field has been on full display in the committee rooms, corridors, and chambers of the U.S. Capitol,” Ainsworth said.
“And just as President Trump has worked to change Washington and drain the D.C. Swamp, Coach Tuberville will bring needed reforms, a new perspective, and a no-quit, can-do spirit to the way Montgomery operates. Coach Tuberville has my full, committed, and enthusiastic endorsement, and I am confident that his election as governor will make our already great state even better.”
Proud to endorse my friend @CoachForGov
Coach has my full support and I’m confident that his election for Governor will make an already great state even better. https://t.co/30TRuCipuA— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) June 19, 2025
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Tuberville thanked Ainsworth for his endorsement and drew a powerful comparison between the two.
“I am honored to be endorsed by my friend and Alabama’s Lieutenant Governor, Will Ainsworth,” Sen. Tuberville said today.
“Will and I have a lot in common–we are both small business owners who ran for office to give back to our great state. I am glad to have the Lieutenant Governor on my team.”
The Alabama Republican Party primary will be held on May 19, 2026.
Due to term limits, virtually all statewide constitutional offices, including the governorship, is up for grabs this cycle. All 105 seats in the Alabama House and all 35 seats in the Alabama Senate are also on the ballot.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
