Legendary Sportscaster Comes Out As Trump Supporter, Floats Senate Run

A longtime media personality is considering leaving his post at ESPN and pursuing a U.S. Senate run as a Republican in next year’s elections.

Paul Finebaum, host and analyst at the SEC Network, revealed that Charlie Kirk’s assassination has given him pause about the future of America’s politics and his place in them. To Finebaum, there has never been a more critical time to become involved and change the direction of the country.

“I spent four hours numb, talking about things that didn’t matter to me. And it kept building throughout that weekend,” Finebaum told Outkick’s Clay Travis. “I felt very empty doing what I was doing that day.”

Though he didn’t know Kirk personally, the 70-year-old sports broadcaster found it increasingly difficult to do his show in the wake of the Turning Point USA founder’s murder.

“It’s hard to describe, not being involved in politics, how that affected me and affected tens of millions of people all over this country. And it was an awakening,” he said.

More recently, several private conversations with advisors have left Finebaum “considering” a Senate run in Alabama, where Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has said he will instead seek the state’s governorship.

“One or two people in Washington had reached out to me about whether I would be interested in politics, something I never thought about before. Something I didn’t really think possible,” he said. “I gave some thought to it as the [after Kirk’s murder] weekend unfolded and got a little bit more interested.”

Bruce Pearl, Alabama’s head football coach, was rumored to be in the running; however, his recent decision against a campaign caused Finebaum to rethink launching one of his own.

“I was… hesitant at first because I was very aware of Bruce’s interest and [I’m a] huge fan of Bruce… I didn’t take it too seriously,” Finebaum said. “I ended up talking to someone… who made it clear that there was a desire for me to be involved. And this person… was compelling and compassionate in the approach to me, and I started thinking about this.”

WATCH:

Senator @finebaum? Paul Finebaum is seriously considering entering the Alabama senate race. For the first time he publicly says he is a @realDonaldTrump supporter and voter. We sat down for a long form chat this weekend in Athens. pic.twitter.com/5TAzdykU13

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 29, 2025

Finebaum began his career as a columnist in Birmingham before starting the “Paul Finebaum Show” on local Alabama radio. The show grew and was eventually purchased by ESPN and the SEC Network in 2014.

The broadcaster and his wife moved to Charlotte in 2013 to be near the station’s headquarters, but he has always been open about wanting to return to his home state one day.

“Alabama has always been the place I’ve felt the most welcome, that I’ve cared the most about the people. I’ve spoken to people from Alabama for 35 years and I feel there is a connection that is hard to explain,” he said.

Donald Trump carried Alabama by 30 points, and the seat is considered a safe Republican pickup. There are six Republicans currently vying for the party’s nomination, including state Attorney General Steve Marshall and Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL).

Finebaum said the one person who could motivate him to definitely run is the man he voted for: President Donald Trump.

“Yes,” he confirmed his support with a laugh, “but [ESPN] also tells us not to discuss that.”