Ainsworth Announces He Will Not Run for Governor

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announced Wednesday morning that he will not run for governor in 2026, ending months of speculation about his political future.

With his second term as lieutenant governor nearing its end and no possibility of seeking re-election due to term limits, political observers had closely watched Ainsworth’s next move. Many expected him to pursue the state’s top office. However, in a statement shared on social media, Ainsworth revealed that he and his wife had decided to focus on their family and begin transitioning into the private sector.

“After much prayer and reflection, Kendall and I have decided that now is the time to step away from elected office and focus on our children as they finish high school,” Ainsworth wrote. “Public service has been an honor, but our family comes first.”

The announcement comes as rumors swirl around U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is reportedly considering a run for governor himself, though no formal declaration has been made. Some had speculated that Ainsworth might seek a federal position if Tuberville vacated his Senate seat, but the lieutenant governor recently dismissed interest in relocating to Washington, D.C.

Ainsworth, a U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and former state representative, has been a prominent figure in Alabama politics since first being elected lieutenant governor in 2018. Known for his strong support of business and conservative policies, he was widely considered a frontrunner for the 2026 gubernatorial race.

With Ainsworth officially stepping aside, the race for Alabama governor is likely to shift dramatically as other potential candidates begin to position themselves.

The full statement from Ainsworth is available on his official social media accounts and can be viewed below: