Who is running? Alabama U.S. Senate seat opens up with Tuberville's bid for governor
It has already encouraged new candidates to enter the U.S. Senate race. The state's Agriculture Commissioner also announced a bid for Lieutenant Governor, as current Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, long expected to run for governor, said he won't seek that seat.
'Coach Tuberville for Governor': Tuberville's campaign site goes live
And the major question Tuberville's announcement raises is who wants to replace him in the U.S. Senate?
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has not announced his plans but has said he could pivot to the U.S. Senate race if Tuberville chose to run for governor.
Former U.S. Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, who runs the anti-human trafficking organization — Covenant Rescue Group announced Wednesday he is running for Alabama's newly open U.S. Senate seat.
Another potential candidate is Mo Brooks, who served six terms as U.S. Rep. for the 5th Congressional District, which includes Huntsville. Brooks, who was initially endorsed by Donald Trump, lost his U.S. Senate bid in a runoff against Katie Britt in 2022.
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Brooks said he is considering his options, and his decision will be shaped by the field of candidates who emerge by the time qualifying for the seat takes place. He sent the following statement to News 19 on Wednesday:
'The keys to whether I will run for the U. S. Senate are whether I have confidence other GOP candidates have a track record that persuades me they (1) have a good understanding of how to properly handle a myriad of dangerous economic issues looming on America's horizon, (2) will do what it takes to get America's debt under control (not just mouth the right words to get votes but actually do what it takes come hell or high water), and (3) do what it takes to protect the jobs and incomes of struggling American families from an ongoing tsunami of cheap legal and illegal foreign labor.'Personally, I hope there is another GOP candidate who has the strength of character to do what America needs doing. If not, I will give a Senate race strong consideration.'
Former Congressman Mo Brooks
In terms of fundraising for the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races, a former federal candidate like Tuberville can only use $1,000 of the $671,000 in his current Senate campaign war chest for the governor's race, under Alabama law.
Candidates who have raised significant money for state races, like Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth with $1.2 million raised or Marshall, with $171,000 on hand, cannot use any of that state-race money for a federal campaign.
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Former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, who has been considered a potential candidate for both Governor and U.S. Senator, said in an interview with our sister station CBS 42 on Wednesday that he's been approached by supporters about both races, and he is still considering his options.
And Wednesday evening, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, who succeeded Brooks in representing the 5th Congressional District, said he plans to continue serving in the U.S. House.
'After prayerful thought and consideration, I have decided that the best way I can serve Alabama is to remain in the United States House of Representatives,' Strong said. 'For that reason, I will be seeking re-election to Congress in 2026 and no other office. Representing north Alabama in Washington has been the most rewarding experience in my career of public service. I truly believe I am where the Lord wants me, and I want to continue to represent my community.'
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