Senator’s Florida beach home fuels residency doubts as Alabama address comes
SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A formal ballot challenge to U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s bid for governor is increasingly expected, as Alabama Republican Party insiders raise new doubts about whether he meets the state’s seven-year residency requirement. The scrutiny comes as Tuberville signals he is seriously considering running for governor next year instead of seeking a second Senate term—a move many say would make him an early frontrunner due to his name recognition and his close political alliance with former President Donald Trump.
But some Republicans warn the path may not be as clear as it appears. State Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, said Tuberville’s residency could be a significant hurdle. Speaking on “The Dale Jackson Show,” Givhan dismissed the idea that Tuberville can claim any office he wants. “If he wants to be U.S. senator, I don’t think he will have any credible competition,” Givhan said. “As far as governor, you’ve still got a question. Owning a house in Alabama is not enough. You’ve got to live here seven years.” (Source: 1819 News)
Multiple GOP insiders told APR a challenge is “all but certain” once qualifying closes in January, prompting a mandatory hearing before the Alabama Republican Party’s Candidate Committee. Bill Britt, editor-in-chief of the Alabama Political Reporter and host of The Voice of Alabama Politics, confirmed the concern. “Insiders with the Alabama Republican Party are worried he is not a resident of Alabama and cannot prove he’s a resident,” Britt said. “There will be a ballot challenge.” (Source: APR Broadcast)
Susan Britt, associate editor-in-chief of the Alabama Political Reporter, echoed the doubts, saying Tuberville could resolve the issue immediately by releasing Alabama tax filings. “If he had seven years of Alabama tax returns, he would have already released them,” she said.
The expected challenge centers on Tuberville’s ties to his Santa Rosa Beach, Florida residence, long viewed by critics as his true primary home. By contrast, the modest Auburn house he lists in Alabama is owned by his wife and son. Florida’s lack of a state income tax has intensified questions about where the senator has lived—and paid taxes—during the required seven-year period.
Residency concerns are not new. During his 2020 Senate race, former Sen. Jeff Sessions raised similar questions. AL.com reported the Tubervilles have owned their Auburn home since March 31, 2017—nine years before the May 2026 GOP primary.
GOP candidate Ken McFeeters has pledged to file a formal challenge. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is also weighing a run and says his decision will not depend on Tuberville’s plans.
Efforts to reach Tuberville for comment were unsuccessful.