Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., is telling senators that he plans to run for governor of Alabama, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation. One of the sources told NBC News, "He's been telling anyone and everyone." Tuberville has long been rumored to be considering a campaign for governor to succeed Gov. Kay Ivey, R-Ala., who is term-limited. Tuberville's Senate term ends in January 2027. Asked for comment Friday, Tuberville's office pointed to a social media post Thursday from the senator responding to a report from the Alabama outlet Yellowhammer News that he was set to launch a campaign for governor soon. "While I appreciate all the interest, Suzanne and I are still praying about how to best serve the people of Alabama. When I have an official announcement about my future, you’ll hear it directly from me," Tuberville wrote on X, referring to his wife.

Tommy Tuberville is telling his Senate colleagues that he’s planning to run for governor of Alabama, according to two people familiar with the conversations. The first-term senator and former college football coach said on Thursday evening that he and his wife “are still praying about how to best serve the people of Alabama,” in response to a report from Yellowhammer News that he told donors this week he is running for governor. Tuberville’s office did not immediately comment to Semafor on Friday about his conversations with senators. Tuberville will be the second sitting senator to launch a gubernatorial campaign this cycle, following Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet’s bid in Colorado.

A separate report early last month said Tuberville's timeline for a decision was May, given that "you can't raise money until June anyway." Sitting Alabama Republican Gov. Kay Ivey is termed out in 2026, opening up what's expected to be a wide-open race of up to eight GOP candidates, CBS42 reported last month. Tuberville's Senate term is also up in 2026. "I am up for reelection in two years, and I've heard a lot about Alabamians who want me to run for governor. I've talked to my family, I'm praying about it, to do what's best for me, my family, and for the people in the state of Alabama," Tuberville said on a press call on March 5.