Former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson Announces Bid for U.S. Senate Seat

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Former Navy SEAL and Jefferson County sheriff candidate Jared Hudson has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, aiming to fill the seat currently held by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), who recently declared his intention to run for Alabama governor.

Hudson, a Republican and Birmingham resident, brings a diverse background in military, law enforcement, and business to the race. A decorated Navy SEAL, Hudson served in multiple combat zones—including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Foal Eagle—before transitioning into law enforcement roles and entrepreneurship.

“I’ve spent my life taking the fight to America’s enemies,” Hudson said in a press release. “Now it’s time to continue the mission in Washington. I’ll be a warrior for President Trump’s America First Agenda.”

Hudson is the founder and CEO of The Shooting Institute, which provides tactical training to law enforcement, military personnel, and civilians. He also co-founded the Covenant Rescue Group (CRG), a nonprofit focused on combating human trafficking and child exploitation. CRG conducts sting operations and offers law enforcement training at no cost.

Hudson previously ran for Jefferson County sheriff in 2022, earning 48% of the vote in a narrow loss to Democratic incumbent Mark Pettway. That campaign marked Hudson’s first foray into politics.

Rooted deeply in his Christian faith, Hudson said his decision to run for Senate was inspired by a message from God while he was working in Africa. “I want to fight to uphold the Constitution, protect the American people, and defend Christian values,” he said, pledging to support former President Trump’s efforts to secure the border and oppose what he called “the woke agenda.”

A graduate of Mortimer Jordan High School, Hudson initially trained as a firefighter before enlisting in the military. He also holds an MBA and is certified by the Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. His law enforcement career includes time as a deputy in Shelby County and a reserve deputy in Jefferson County, as well as an investigative role in Indiana.

Hudson lives in Birmingham with his wife, Lauren, and their three children. The family is active in their local church.

With his announcement, Hudson becomes the first Republican to enter the race for Tuberville’s Senate seat. He joins Democrat Kyle Sweetser of Mobile, who announced his candidacy in April.

The race is expected to draw more contenders in the coming months as Alabama looks ahead to a pivotal Senate election.