Sen. Katie Britt and Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth Back Tommy Tuberville for Governor

Two of Alabama’s top Republicans—U.S. Sen. Katie Britt and Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth—have announced their support for Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s campaign for governor in 2026.

Senator Britt, Alabama’s first woman in the U.S. Senate, made her endorsement known with a post on Facebook. She wrote, “Excited to endorse my friend and colleague, Senator Tommy Tuberville! From strengthening K-12 education and modernizing workforce development to growing good-paying jobs and investing in local infrastructure, we share the mission of putting #AlabamaFirst. Coach’s strong conservative leadership will serve all Alabamians well in Montgomery. I look forward to continuing to fight for Alabama’s people, priorities, and values alongside Governor Tuberville.”

Lt. Gov. Ainsworth also endorsed Tuberville with his own Facebook post, “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.”

Ainsworth expanded on his post, saying, “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.”

“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,” Ainsworth said.

Tuberville expressed his gratitude to both for their support.

“I am grateful to be endorsed by my friend and colleague, Senator Katie Britt,” said Coach Tuberville. “Katie and I have been fighting for Alabama every day over the past several years in the Senate, and I know we will continue working together when I’m back home in Montgomery. Together, we will make sure Alabama is not just a great place to live, but the very best place to call home.”

“I am honored to be endorsed by my friend and Alabama’s Lieutenant Governor, Will Ainsworth… 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,” Tuberville said.

Ainsworth had been widely seen as the front‑runner for governor. But in May, he chose not to run, clearing the path for Tuberville. That move makes this endorsement even more powerful.

The Republican primary is set for May 19, 2026, and supporters expect Tuberville to campaign hard. He’s already cleared names off the field and has strong party backing. So far, only Birmingham businessman Ken McFeeters has qualified to run against Tuberville in the Republican primary.

Still, he faces a potential hurdle: a challenge over his Alabama residency. Critics say he spent time living in Florida and only recently switched back to Alabama. Tuberville has dismissed the issue, saying it‘s without merit.