MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Thursday that he is running for the U.S. Senate, seeking the positionbeing vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville. Marshall, a Republican, announced his candidacy in a video that included multiple clips of him being introduced or praised byPresident Donald Trump. The video called Marshall the senator that "our state needs and our president can count on." Marshall told The Associated Press that he has a "proven track record as attorney general of fighting for the people of Alabama." "I think what the people of Alabama are looking for is a strong, proven conservative that is able to help advance President Trump's agenda and fights for the values of the people of our state," Marshall said in a telephone interview. "Lots of people can talk tough, but getting tough things done is what we've been able to accomplish," Marshall said. He said there is "significant overlap" between the issues he has worked on as attorney general and matters before the Senate, includingimmigration. As attorney general, Marshall banded with other Republican-led states in filing lawsuits challenging multiple Biden administration policies. He was also one ofmultiple Republican elected officialswho attended Trump's 2024 hush money trial in New York to show support and speak on his behalf. Marshall's office successfullydefended the state's banon gender-affirming care for transgender minors and supported other states in their efforts to enact similar bans. His office lost a fight overAlabama's congressional mapthat resulted in federal judges redrawing the lines. Marshall also led the development ofAlabama's use of nitrogen gasas an execution method. Alabama in 2024 became the first state to use it. Tuberville announced Tuesday that he is running for governor in 2026 instead of seeking a second term in the Senate. The rare open Senate seat is expected to draw a crowdedfield of candidates. Marshall was first appointed attorney general in 2017 by then-Gov. Robert Bentley. He won a full term in 2018, and was reelected in 2022. He cannot run for another term because of term limits. He previously served as Marshall County district attorney for 16 years. He was initially elected to that office as a Democrat butswitched to the Republican Partyin 2011. Marshallannounced last yearthat he would not run for governor in 2026.
