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Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth has long been regarded as a likely contender for Alabama’s 2026 gubernatorial race, but he has yet to make a formal announcement. That hasn’t stopped U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville from telling a group of high-level donors last week that he intends to enter the race, according to sources familiar with the meeting.
With speculation swirling, Ainsworth took to Facebook on Monday to crowdsource an answer to the question on everyone’s mind: what should he do next?
“As the legislative session draws to a close next week, I will begin giving serious consideration to my future plans since I’m term-limited as lieutenant governor,” Ainsworth wrote. “Some Alabamians have suggested that I run for governor, others have suggested that I run for U.S. Senate if the seat is open, and a few liberal Democrats who dislike conservatives like me have suggested that I return home to Guntersville and leave public service altogether.”
“Facebook seems like a good forum to ask my followers a simple question — what do you think I should do next year and why?”
By Tuesday night, more than 275 comments had poured in, offering a clear — if unscientific — show of support for a gubernatorial run. The overwhelming majority urged Ainsworth to run for governor, with a smaller chorus encouraging him to consider a U.S. Senate bid should the political terrain shift.
The feedback was deeply personal and overwhelmingly local, reflecting the trust Ainsworth has built across the state. One supporter, Darlene Steve Mathieu, wrote, “We need you — an Alabama man who lives in Alabama, has grown up in Alabama, has family in Alabama and is raising their children in Alabama — to be our next Governor.”
Another echoed the same theme: “Governor. You’re the man for the job. I would like a yard sign, please,” wrote Kyle Hayes.
Jessica Thompson recalled meeting Ainsworth during a push for midwifery legislation. “You took the time to really listen—even with a lot of pressure coming from the medical lobby,” she wrote. “That kind of leadership is rare.”
Supporters repeatedly pointed to Ainsworth’s Alabama roots, his accessibility and his record of showing up for constituents. “I don’t think it’s time for you to return home yet,” wrote Alison Brooke Jackson. “You are too good for our state and we need you on our side!”
“Governor is for sure where we need you to be,” added Patsy Dodd Walls. “You’re Alabama-grown, and we need Alabama-grown folks in Montgomery making decisions,” said Hunter Garnett, who also encouraged Ainsworth to declare early and begin raising money.
Others framed the decision through the lens of faith and family. “Wherever God leads you. You are a champion for Alabama,” wrote Robert La Branche, citing Proverbs 16:9. James Edwin Cooley noted, “I wouldn’t want to be away from my family, and I sure wouldn’t move my children to Washington, D.C. Therefore, I suggest Governor for now.”
Some referenced the political calculus more bluntly, warning that a showdown between Ainsworth and Tuberville could divide the Republican base. “If Tuberville announces he is running before you, run for the Senate seat,” one commenter advised. “Us Alabamians do not deserve the political dogfight that will happen between you and Tuberville.”
Behind the scenes, that fight may already be brewing. According to multiple sources, Tuberville has told potential donors and allies that he wants to “shake things up” in Montgomery — calling the current legislative leadership “weak” and accusing state lawmakers of being “lazy.”
The remarks have raised eyebrows among state officials who say Tuberville’s outsider bombast is out of touch with the demands of governing. In contrast, Ainsworth has spent years cultivating relationships within the Legislature. From his time as a state representative to his current role as lieutenant governor, he has worked closely with leadership and individual lawmakers to advance conservative priorities, often serving as a bridge-builder rather than a brawler.
The post did more than stir speculation — it served as a soft launch of sorts, testing the waters of public sentiment while drawing a sharp contrast in tone with Tuberville, whose national profile has been shaped more by controversy than leadership.
While Ainsworth has said little publicly about his intentions beyond Monday’s post, the message from his base was resounding: they want him to stay in the fight — and they want him to stay in Alabama, leading it.
Whether that message changes his plans or simply affirms what many believe he’s already decided — it remains to be seen.
