Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
Tuberville announcement … not yet
For those of y’all waiting for a big announcement from Sen. Tommy Tuberville on May 1, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. The rumor mill kicked into overdrive this month with predictions Tuberville would announce his run for governor in less than a week. We still say he is definitely running, but he definitely isn’t announcing May 1.
What about Ainsworth?
Meanwhile, where does this leave Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth? The Marshall County native was tipped by many to be Ivey’s successor when her term ends in 2026. Ainsworth has made no announcement but more than a few are saying he will not run against Tuberville for the position. While some supporters are hoping to see a Steve Marshall-Ainsworth matchup for the Coach’s Senate seat, Ainsworth reportedly isn’t interested in uprooting his family. We’re hearing it’s possible we won’t be seeing the name Ainsworth anywhere on the 2026 ballot.
The benefit of Britt
Sen. Katie Britt seems to be cut from the same cloth as her predecessor and former boss, Sen. Richard Shelby when it comes to fundraising. This column reported last week on her fundraiser for three Senate Appropriations Committee colleagues in Huntsville. Sources say the fundraiser at The Ledges was packed with donors from across the state and raised more than $1 million to be split among the four senators. That kind of successful fundraising was a hallmark of Shelby’s time in the Senate and is sure to make Britt a lot of friends as she continues to expand her profile in Washington.
Kash needs to decide
FBI Director Kash Patel visited Redstone Arsenal on Wednesday as one of his first field visits since being confirmed. In addition to being wowed by Redstone’s capabilities, Patel made the requisite Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry joke and declared he would not pick a side. Flanked by Tuberville (the famed former Auburn coach) and Britt (the famed Alabama graduate and wife of former Alabama football player Wesley Britt), Patel quipped “just sit me on the 50 yard line.” Obviously, this won’t do. Everyone knows you pick a side as soon as you cross the state line. If I may be so bold as to suggest a solution: The winner of the next Iron Bowl gets to claim Patel’s fandom.
Athens has all the action
Alabama’s fastest growing city might be shaping up to have the most exciting municipal elections around. In addition to the Mayor Ronnie Marks and Danny Whitfield matchup, we now have Amy Golden announcing her run for City Council District 5. Through social media, Golden announced her retirement from the Activity Center on Monday then turned around and declared her candidacy on Tuesday. The District 5 seat is held by Wayne Harper, who has been in office for the past 13 years. No word yet if Harper plans to seek reelection.
