During a press conference on May 19, Sen. Tommy Tuberville spoke about his bid for governor and his plans for Alabama if he is elected. The senator levied praise and criticism towards his allies and opponents, while building his platform and answering reporters’ questions about redistricting, industry growth and artificial intelligence (AI).
The conference began at 9 a.m. in the parking lot for Bow and Arrow, across the street from the polling location at the Church of the Highlands.
Wearing a Trump International Golf Club shirt with an “I voted” sticker on his chest, Tuberville frequently stated his close connection with President Trump and praised Gov. Kay Ivey. He also strongly criticized his opponents, while calling for more involvement from citizens.
“Our state will be attacked from every direction from the crazies in the next few years,” Tuberville said. “We have got to make sure we protect family, God and the future of our state. If we can do that, we can make our state the best in country.”
When asked about the recent redistricting, which eliminates one of Alabama's two majority-Black congressional districts, Tuberville accused Northern states of gerrymandering first.
“If they’re gonna gerrymander in the Northern part of the States, basically everyone’s gonna end up doing it,” Tuberville said. “I don’t know how it’s gonna work out.”
However, Tuberville believed that the courts should handle the maps to ensure fairness, likening them to referees in football. He was unsure of the outcome but said he wants Alabamians to be represented in their government.
“There’s so many if, ands and buts, but I am for making sure everyone is represented in this state,” Tuberville said.
In terms of his plans if he is elected, Tuberville said his goal is to ensure Alabama prospers in the face of current and potential issues. Tuberville believed that, although Alabama is not as “in bad of trouble” as some other states, the state must prepare itself for the future.
“We have a lot of problems in federal government,” Tuberville said. “That trickles down to state government, and we got to protect ourselves from the federal government in things that could possibly happened economically and all the other things that trickle down from the federal government.”
One way Tuberville plans to improve Alabama is through bringing more manufacturing to the state.
“I’m gonna be the head recruiter of the state of Alabama if elected,” Tuberville said. “We have to grow our state; we can’t stay the same. We need to educate our kids. We need to keep them in-state, and by doing that, you have to bring manufacturing back to the state.”
He particularly focused on the defense industry and AI, referring to AI as “the future of our country.”
“AI is gonna be involved in a lot of the decisions made by the Secretary of Energy, and here’s why: AI will control a lot of the price of energy all over the country, not just our state,” Tuberville said. “You got to have somebody that understands AI, understands how to put it all together and make it work.”
Tuberville said that he has looked into data centers throughout the country and is considering building them, specifically in rural areas. If they are implemented, he plans to build power plants around them to offset costs to taxpayers.
“Data centers are going to be a big part of our state if it works because brings in an enormous amount of tax money for the schools and hospitals,” Tuberville said. “Our tax base is not that big, so if we can build four or five in this state, that would bring in three or four or five hundred million a year in taxes. We want to do that. We’re don’t want to give that up.”
Tuberville is the front-runner in the race and is projected to hold 65% of the votes, according to polling conducted for Gray Television Alabama stations and the Alabama Daily News
The special primary elections for 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th Congressional Districts take place on Aug. 11. The midterm general elections are on Nov. 3.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Sydney Gallardo, junior in journalism, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Fall 2025. Gallardo previously served as a News Writer, News Reporter and Assistant News Editor. He is currently serving as the Newsletter Editor.
