Paul Finebaum Weighs U.S. Senate Run in Alabama: Sports Icon Eyes Political Pivot

BIRMINGHAM, AL. - October 21, 2025 - Paul Finebaum, the longtime voice of SEC football and host of ESPN's The Paul Finebaum Show, is seriously considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat in Alabama, potentially vacated by Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is expected to launch a gubernatorial campaign. Finebaum's possible entry into the race has sparked widespread speculation across sports and political circles, with supporters and critics weighing in on what his candidacy could mean for Alabama's future.

From Sports Talk to Senate Talk

Finebaum revealed his interest in public office during a September interview with conservative commentator Clay Travis. He shared that several political figures had approached him about running, and that the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk had deeply affected him.

"It was an awakening," Finebaum said. "I started thinking about where we're going as a country, and I don't like some of that."

He added that if President Donald Trump personally asked him to run, he would feel compelled to accept. Finebaum confirmed he would run as a Republican and has until the qualifying deadline of January 23, 2026, to make a final decision.

A Familiar Face with Unconventional Credentials

Finebaum's name recognition in Alabama is unmatched. He began his career as a newspaper columnist in Birmingham before becoming a syndicated radio host and eventually a national figure on ESPN. His show has long served as a cultural touchstone for SEC fans, blending sports commentary with grassroots conversation. His ability to connect with everyday Alabamians-whether coaches, callers, or diehard fans-could translate into a formidable political base.

"He's one of the few media figures who can talk to political elites, normal football fans, and the occasional deranged football fan-and those are pretty much every constituency someone needs to win public office in Alabama," wrote Slate's Alex Kirshner.

Tuberville's Exit and the Sports-to-Politics Pipeline

Finebaum would not be the first Alabama sports figure to enter politics. Senator Tuberville, a former Auburn football coach, won his seat in 2020. Bruce Pearl, Auburn's basketball coach, recently declined to run, and Nick Saban has long avoided political entanglements. In a state where college sports are deeply intertwined with identity and loyalty, Finebaum's candidacy could tap into a powerful emotional current.

ESPN Controversy and Zaxby's Cameo

Finebaum's political flirtation has not gone unnoticed by his employer. After his interview with Travis, rumors swirled that ESPN had benched him from programming. ESPN denied the claims, calling them "totally false," but Finebaum's absence from recent broadcasts fueled speculation.

Meanwhile, Finebaum appeared in a Zaxby's commercial, working the drive-thru in character as a radio host taking chicken orders. The ad, which aired across Alabama, was seen by some as a tongue-in-cheek nod to his grassroots appeal-and perhaps a signal that he's preparing for a new chapter.

Conservative Support and Internal Criticism

Finebaum's political leanings have drawn both support and skepticism. He stated that he voted for Trump in 2024 and would run as a Republican. However, some conservative activists, including Trump ally Laura Loomer, have accused him of being a "Trojan horse," citing past comments critical of Trump and supportive of Black Lives Matter.

Finebaum has not responded directly to those claims, but his political identity remains a point of contention among Alabama's Republican base.

What's Next?

With the qualifying deadline approaching in January, Finebaum has roughly three months to decide. He has expressed interest in finishing the college football season before making a formal announcement. If he enters the race, he would likely face a crowded Republican primary, with candidates vying to succeed Tuberville in a state where conservative credentials and cultural resonance are key.

Whether Finebaum ultimately runs or not, his potential candidacy underscores the evolving intersection of sports, media, and politics in Alabama-and the enduring power of name recognition in a state where football is more than just a game.