Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announced Thursday that he will not run for the U.S. Senate seat held currently by Doug Jones, D-Alabama.
Ainsworth said he made the decision with his wife, Kendall Foster Ainsworth, not to run for Senate at this time.
“Over the past few months, I have been touched and honored by the citizens across Alabama who have encouraged me to run for the U.S. Senate,” Ainsworth said. “Their support and enthusiasm means more than they can ever know.”
“After deep discussions with my wife, Kendall, and prayerful guidance from above, I have determined this is simply not the right time for me to serve our state and our nation in Washington, D.C.” Ainsworth continued. “With twin, 9-year-old boys and a 7-year-old daughter, I cannot be the absentee father that service in Washington demands. The memories we can make together at their ages are too important to sacrifice.”
“I also swore an oath to serve as lieutenant governor when my fellow Alabamians elected me to this office, and I plan to keep that commitment by fulfilling my term,” Ainsworth added. “Best of luck to my fellow Republicans who enter the race, and let’s make sure our current senator becomes known as ‘One and Done Doug.’”
Congressman Bradley Byrne, R-Montrose, has announced he will run for Senate. State Auditor Jim Zeigler has formed an exploratory committee to look at running for Senate. Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, R-Anniston, is also considering running for Senate, as are Congressmen Gary Palmer and Mo Brooks. Former Gov. Robert Bentley, former Chief Justice Roy Moore and Yellowhammer News founder Cliff Simms have expressed interest in running for the seat, as well.
Sen. Doug Jones has expressed optimism that he will win re-election no matter who his Republican opponent is.
Jones beat Roy Moore in a special election in December 2017.
The Republican primary is less than 11 months away.
