Rep. Dale Strong, R-Alabama, said Wednesday he will not run for the U.S. Senate seat, which will be vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who has announced plans to run for governor.
Strong said he will instead seek re-election to the U.S. House in 2026, where he is currently serving his second term representing Alabama’s 5th Congressional District.
“After prayerful thought and consideration, I have decided that the best way I can serve Alabama is to remain in the United States House of Representatives,” Strong said. “For that reason, I will be seeking re-election to Congress in 2026 and no other office. Representing north Alabama in Washington has been the most rewarding experience in my career of public service. I truly believe I am where the Lord wants me and I want to continue to represent my community.”
Strong was elected to Congress in 2022, succeeding former Rep. Mo Brooks, who stepped down to run for the Senate. Brooks’ bid was unsuccessful, and the seat was ultimately filled by Sen. Katie Britt. Before his election, Strong served as chairman of the Madison County Commission.
Strong currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee, where he helps oversee federal spending. Within Appropriations, he holds the position of Vice Chair on the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. He also serves on the Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.
In addition, Strong is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. There, he serves as a Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, and he is also a member of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations and Accountability.
A longtime ally of President Donald Trump, Strong was seen by some political observers as a potential contender to replace Tuberville in the Senate. Tuberville announced this week that he will run for governor.
While speculation continues about who might enter the Senate race, only two candidates, former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson and Attorney General Steve Marshall, have formally announced campaigns.
