Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who is considering a run for governor next year, said Tuesday that Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s decision on whether to enter the race will not affect his plans.

“Senator Tuberville, he’s done a good job,” Ainsworth said. “But that doesn’t have any impact on my decision.”

Tuberville told Alabama Daily News last week that he was considering a run for governor next year instead of seeking reelection to the Senate. If Tuberville chose the governor’s race, it would create an open seat in Washington.

Ainsworth said he has no interest in the Senate race.

“With the age of my kids, it doesn’t make sense for me,” said Ainsworth, who has twin sons in the ninth grade and a daughter in the seventh.

Ainsworth said he will decide whether to run for governor after the legislative session ends in May.

“I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – that’s the only office I’d consider running for,” Ainsworth said.

Ainsworth was elected lieutenant governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022.

Before that, he served one term in the Alabama House of Representatives, representing Marshall County, where he has lived since his family moved from Homewood when he was 1.

Ainsworth is barred by term limits from seeking a third term as lieutenant governor.

Alabama’s race for governor in two years is wide open because Gov. Kay Ivey is also term-limited.

No candidates have announced for governor yet. Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate has said he would consider the race. Former Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis has said he would consider a run for governor or another statewide office.

Tuberville, the former Auburn football coach, was elected to the Senate in 2020, his first run for public office.

Some analysts have said Tuberville would be a strong favorite if he enters the governor’s race.

The 2026 primary will be May 26, the day after Memorial Day. Candidates can begin raising money one year before the election.