Who is Tommy Tuberville and what is Tuberville running on in the 2026 Alabama Governor race?

Tommy Tuberville is the Republican candidate for Alabama governor. U.S. Senator from Alabama since 2021 and former Auburn football coach; won the May 2026 GOP primary with 85%. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The race

• The seat: Open seat (Kay Ivey (R) term-limited).
• Rating: Solid R (Cook, Inside Elections).
• Polling: Tuberville 49, Jones 41, undecided 11 (Yes. Every Kid. Foundation, July 8 to 11, 2026, 601 LV); earlier Cygnal Nov 2025: Tuberville 53, Jones 34.

Why Tuberville is ahead

• Republicans won the last five Alabama governor races by 23+ points; Democrats have not won since 1998.
• Tuberville beat Jones in their 2020 Senate race and holds a big money lead ($14.5M raised vs $4.8M as of Aug 31, 2026).
• Jones’s opening: the July poll was narrower than earlier ones; Tuberville’s comments dismissing data-center concerns and a Senate floor attack on Social Security could cost him with rural voters and seniors.
• A residency challenge to Tuberville’s eligibility was pending before the Alabama Supreme Court as of early Sept 2026, but markets barely moved.

What Tuberville is running on

• Data centers / energy. Backs data center development and dismissed residents‘ concerns as ’bull crap’ fueled by Chinese disinformation.
• Social Security. Criticized for a Senate floor attack on Social Security (per AL Reporter column).

The other candidates

• Doug Jones (D)

Every race

See every Senate and governor race on the ballot, with each candidate’s chance of winning: the 2026 midterms at a glance.