HUNTSVILLE — Former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks says he’s not actively seeking a return to public office but if the right Republican candidate doesn’t emerge in Alabama’s 2026 Senate race, he may step in himself.
In an interview with 256 Today, the former congressman said he is enjoying retirement and time with his 14 grandchildren. However, he hasn’t ruled out running to succeed Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who announced his candidacy for governor last month.
“Yes, I’m considering it,” Brooks said. “If I were to put it in terms of probabilities, it’s possible but unlikely.”
Brooks, who represented North Alabama in Congress for more than a decade, said the decision will depend on whether a GOP candidate steps forward who he believes will prioritize debt reduction, free enterprise over socialism, “moral values,” and national security.
“I’m hoping that a candidate will surface that I know is going to do the right thing on deficit and debt, on socialism versus free enterprise, on moral values, on foreign policies and the other kinds of things that you expect a United States senator to work on,” Brooks said.
If no such candidate enters the race, Brooks said he and his wife, Martha, will “have to make a very difficult decision.” Brooks emphasized that he doesn’t view the Senate as a stepping stone or personal achievement.
“I don’t covet the United States Senate position as some people do who see it as another rung on the ladder,” he said.
Brooks said it should be a “sacrifice,” stating when he and his wife, “because we’re partners,” served in the United States Congress, it cost them about $2.5 million in net income loss.
“And that’s what I hope to see from people who want to serve in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “It should be a sacrifice.”
Asked directly if he would run if necessary, Brooks said, “Well, if necessary, but I’m a hard sell on being necessary.”
A six-term House member and former Madison County commissioner, Brooks ran unsuccessfully for Senate twice, including a run against U.S. Sen. Katie Britt when then former President Donald Trump famously withdrew his endorsement of Brooks.
Considering the current Senate race, Brooks said he’ll take “months” before making any decisions and will be watching how current leaders in Washington handle what he described as core national challenges: the economy, foreign affairs, and moral direction.
Rep. Barry Moore is rumored to be mulling a run but has not made any official announcement while Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall did officially announced his candidacy for the position last week.
“I do not want someone who mouths the words, who covets this position because of their ego and does the wrong thing rather than the right thing for our country,” Brooks said. “I’d much prefer somebody else.”
The party primary election for the open U.S. Senate seat is May 19, 2026.
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