Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth on Wednesday morning announced he is not running for governor in 2026.

He said he and his wife, Kendall, want to focus on raising their two sons and daughter.

“Transitioning to the private sector makes the most sense for all of us at this time of our lives,” Ainsworth wrote.

Elected in 2018, Ainsworth is in his second term as lieutenant governor and is term-limited.

Running for governor would have likely pitted him against U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville who is widely seen as a likely candidate and frontrunner in the race.

Seen as facing a tough battle in the Republican primary for governor, Ainsworth in April asked the public on social media what office he should seek in 2026.

“Some Alabamians have suggested that I run for governor, others have suggested that I run for U.S. Senate if the seat is open, and a few liberal Democrats who dislike conservatives like me have suggested that I return home to Guntersville and leave public service altogether,” he wrote.

Ainsworth has said he had no interest in running for Senate if Tuberville’s seat was open.

“While my name will not be on the ballot for governor in 2026, I will be on the campaign trail working alongside President Trump to help elect a strong, conservative governor and other Republican elected officials who will keep Alabama moving in the right direction,” Ainsworth wrote.

This is a developing story and will be updated.