ESPN SEC Network host Paul Finebaum revealed to Clay Travis of OutKick that he is considering a run for the United States Senate in Alabama, aiming to fill the seat vacated by former Auburn Tigers football coach Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor.
ESPN Host to Consider US Senate Seat
Finebaum confirmed he is a registered Republican and voted for Donald Trump in 2024, making him the only ESPN employee to publicly declare support for President Donald Trump in the most recent election.
Decision Pending
In his interview with Travis, Finebaum cited the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk as a pivotal moment that prompted him to reassess his priorities. “I spent four hours numb, talking about things that didn’t matter to me,” he said. “It kept building throughout that weekend. I felt very empty doing what I was doing that day.”
At first glance, the idea of a sports talk radio host becoming a U.S. senator may seem far-fetched, but Finebaum’s candidacy has serious potential. His name recognition in Alabama is unmatched, built over 35 years as a prominent voice synonymous with the Southeastern Conference’s passionate football culture.
Finebaum’s popularity in the state arguably surpasses that of Tuberville, who won both the 2020 Republican primary and general election with over 60% of the vote in each. The “Trump effect” could also play a significant role.
We will be talking more about the legitimacy of Finebaum seeking political office on the newest “Last Word on Sports Media” Podcast this week on this feed:
https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/last-word-on-sports-media-podcast/id1549396526
In Alabama, a Trump endorsement virtually guarantees a candidate’s success in a statewide election. Finebaum told OutKick that if Trump personally urged him to run, he would not refuse. “It’s impossible to tell him no,” Finebaum said. “There’s no way I could. I would tell him yes.”
Timing
With Trump’s backing, Finebaum would be well-positioned to win the race. While the notion of a college football commentator representing Alabama in the Senate may sound unconventional, Finebaum’s widespread recognition and potential high-profile endorsements make it a realistic possibility. It is also believed that Bruce Pearl, who recently announced his retirement as basketball coach at Auburn, is considering a run for the seat.
Finebaum said he will decide whether to enter the race within the next 30 to 45 days. The Alabama Republican Party’s qualifying period runs from January 5 to January 23, 2026, with the primary election scheduled for May 19, 2026.
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