Steve Marshall Announces Candidacy for AL Senate Seat in Washington Examiner

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has officially entered the race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, who recently announced his intention to run for Governor in 2026. Marshall is the second candidate to declare in the race, following yesterday’s announcement by former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson.

In an interview with the Washington Examiner, Marshall expressed his admiration for Tuberville's service, stating, "We're very blessed in having a leader like Sen. Tuberville to be in the role that he was in." He emphasized the need for strong conservative leadership, adding, "Right now, the nation needs strong conservative leadership, somebody that's going to be able to advance President Trump's agenda."

“Look, some people talk tough. We’ve had an opportunity to get tough stuff done,” Marshall said, adding, “I relish the opportunity to be able to contrast that with others that may be in the race.”

Marshall, who is term-limited as Attorney General, had previously ruled out a gubernatorial bid but kept the option open for a Senate run. He informed Tuberville of his interest ahead of time and has engaged in discussions with other Senators who transitioned from attorney general roles.

Reactions to Marshall’s decision to announce his candidacy in the Washington Examiner, rather than in Alabama, were decidedly unimpressed. One Alabama politico, speaking on condition of anonymity, told ALPolitics.com that “the Washington Examiner isn’t going to get him elected. It just shows how out of touch he is with regular Alabamians.” Another commented that “it shows he’s trying to get national attention, that he’s more interested in Washington than he is in Alabama.”

Questions also linger about reports of an ongoing federal probe into Marshall and his AG Office in regards to the Mabel Amos Trust scandal, as reported yesterday. ALPolitics.com has reached out to the Attorney General’s office for comment on this alleged federal probe, the Mabel Amos Trust affair, and his decision to announce his Senate candidacy in a Washington, DC newspaper rather than in Alabama. At press time, neither the AG’s office nor Marshall had responded to our request.

Jared Hudson announced his candidacy for the Senate seat on Wednesday, May 28, positioning himself as a political outsider and aligning with former President Donald Trump's "America First Agenda." Hudson emphasized his commitment to issues like border security and defending Christian values. ALPolitics.com has reached out to Mr. Hudson, and hopes to interview him in the near future.

Other potential Republican contenders include former Secretary of State John Merrill, and former Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis. Auburn men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl is also reportedly considering a run. 

Former U.S. Representative Mo Brooks’ name has been mentioned as a possible Senate contender, but sources close to Brooks tell ALPolitics.com that he is not seriously considering the race at this time.

Kyle Sweetser previously announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat, pivoting from an anti-Tuberville to an anti-Trump, anti-MAGA message following Tuberville’s decision to seek the Governor’s chair.

With Alabama's strong Republican leanings, the winner of the GOP primary is expected to have a significant advantage in the general election. Marshall's entry into the race sets the stage for a competitive primary as candidates vie to succeed Tuberville in the Senate.