Ainsworth teases a Senate run

December 10, 2025 – GUNTERSVILLE – On Tuesday Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth (R) hinted on social media that he might be looking at entering the race for the open Senate seat currently held by "Coach" Tommy Tuberville.

"Hearing from a lot of people that the U.S. Senate race seems wide open right now. What do you think?" said Ainsworth on Facebook.

Results were mixed with some Facebook followers enthusiastic about the move and others voicing their support for the candidates already in the race.

"I had truly assumed you to be our next Governor and didnt understand why you had decided not to run. But, is this post about a Senate run? If so, YES!" one enthusiastically responded.

"I think you would be a great Senator. As you know Farmpac is with Marshall. Moore is hanging around waiting on a Trump endorsement. You would enter into the race at least within the top three maybe two. You have a great record and name recognition across the state. I don't see the others being relevant in this senate race," another said.

Another responded, "Right now the only legit option I see is Jared Hudson for Alabama. But if you jump in, you got my vote!"

Others were already committed to other candidates.

"Barry Moore will be the next Senator from AL." said one.

Another responded, "Jared Hudson for Alabama is the only choice! He's fought for our country and state with his Covanant Rescue Group. The people of Alabama know the the best choice for our state is Jared and the polls are reflecting it! If I were you Mr. Ainsworth I would give my support to Jared! We need young blood and veteran mentally fighting for us! Help us send a Warrior to Washington!"

Ainsworth is term limited from running for a third consecutive term as Alabama's Lieutenant Governor. He previously served in the Alabama House of Representatives. He had appeared to be on the verge of running for Governor; but after his good friend Coach Tuberville got in the race, Ainsworth made the decision not to run and instead endorsed Tuberville. That made it appear as though Ainsworth's political career was over. That said he has $1,248,547 left in his campaign account. Now that is a state campaign account, not a federal account so some of that money cannot transfer to a federal race given the difference in campaign finance rules between state law and federal law. That said, Ainsworth has run for office statewide in the last two elections and has a broad list of former campaign donors he could reach out to and he has never taken down his campaign website: AinsworthforAlabama.com.

On his website Ainsworth wrote, "I'm not a career politician and I don't play by their rules. Running for Lt. Governor isn't about a career or making a living for me. I'm blessed. I've got an incredible family, a successful business, and more than I ever dreamed of. For me, this is about what kind of Alabama we're gonna pass on to the next generation. We have to turn our state around. We have to make our government smaller, smarter, and above all else honest, and if we do, I am absolutely convinced Alabama's future will be brighter than ever before."

Alabama House of Representatives and Lieutenant Governor are both part time jobs. U.S. Senate is a whole different deal with Senators having to maintain two different residences – D,C, and back in their home states. It is a full time very demanding job with constituent services to deal with and responsibilities both to constituencies in Alabama but also nationally and even internationally. It is a much more demanding position than almost any other elected office – outside of Governor or President. Does Ainsworth want to make that commitment?

If Ainsworth did run he would find a crowded GOP primary field for U.S. Senate.

Attorney General Steve Marshall appears to be the early frontrunner, but Congressman Barry Moore, rancher and businessman Rodney Walker, former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, and former Tuberville aid Morgan Murphy are already in the race for the Republican nomination. Businessman Dakarai Larriett, business owner Kyle Sweetser, Lamont Lavender, and chemist Mark Wheeler are all vying for the Democratic nomination.

Both primaries are scheduled for May 19, 2026.

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