By Naman Trivedi

Copyright timesnownews

Longtime SEC Network host and ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum is contemplating a seismic career shift: leaving the world of sports media to pursue a seat in the US Senate representing Alabama. The 70-year-old broadcaster revealed in a recent interview with OutKick’s Clay Travis that he is seriously considering a Republican bid for the Senate, a move prompted in part by the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this month. “It’s something I never thought about before,” Finebaum said. “But Kirk’s murder was an awakening, for me and for millions of others.” Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 during an appearance at Utah Valley University. His death, which led to a manhunt involving the FBI, deeply affected Finebaum, who said he struggled through his broadcast in the days that followed. “I spent four hours numb, talking about things that didn’t matter to me,” he admitted. “It kept building throughout that weekend. I felt very empty doing what I was doing.” Finebaum said the incident led to “one or two people in Washington” reaching out to gauge his interest in public office. While he previously had no aspirations for a political career, the aftermath of Kirk’s death pushed him to consider stepping into the arena. Leaving the SEC Network? If Finebaum moves forward with a Senate campaign, it would likely mean stepping away from his role with ESPN and the SEC Network. “I’ve been made aware that the qualifying deadline is in January [2026]. That’s ideal,” Finebaum said. “I’d love to get to the end of the [football] season, but I don’t know if that’s realistic. I would like to make this decision fairly soon, in the next 30 to 45 days.” Paul Finebaum Net Worth Finebaum’s net worth is not officially disclosed by ESPN or Finebaum himself, resulting in a wide range of estimates from public sources. While his exact salary remains unknown, his net worth is generally approximated between $2 million and $4 million. Finebaum remains under a multi-year contract with ESPN, tying his current financial terms to the network. Where Does Paul Finebaum Live? Though currently registered as a Republican in North Carolina, where ESPN’s SEC Network is based, Finebaum recently moved back to Alabama, a state where he hosted radio shows for nearly three decades. He confirmed he plans to re-register there as a voter. “Alabama has always been the place I’ve felt the most welcome,” he said. “I’ve spoken to people from Alabama for 35 years, and I feel there is a connection that is hard to explain.” Finebaum previously advocated for former Alabama football coach Nick Saban to run for Senate, calling him a “slam dunk” candidate earlier this year. Political Beliefs — Public, at Last Historically tight-lipped about his political leanings due to ESPN’s internal policies, Finebaum confirmed during the interview that he voted for President Donald Trump and hinted he’d be open to running with Trump’s support. “If President Trump called and asked me to run, I couldn’t say no. There’s no way I could. I would tell him yes,” Finebaum stated. While he acknowledged the polarizing nature of today’s media and political climate, Finebaum said he feels strongly about giving a voice to the people he’s spoken with for decades. “When I watch a newscast, I know how biased it is because I do this for a living. And that’s incredibly disturbing,” he said. “I feel like I know who [Alabamians] are. I think they know who I am.” Crowded Field Ahead The potential Senate race could become competitive. Current Alabama Senator and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville has announced plans to run for governor in 2026, leaving his seat up for grabs. Recently retired Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl has also expressed interest in the Senate race, something Finebaum admitted initially gave him pause. “I was hesitant at first because I was very aware of Bruce’s interest,” Finebaum said. “But after speaking with someone who made a very compelling case, I began to reconsider.” Alabama is a deeply Republican state, and any candidate who wins the GOP primary will be almost a shoo-in for victory in the general election. What’s Next? With the qualifying deadline for the 2026 primary just over a year away, January 26, 2026, Finebaum says he plans to make a final decision in the coming weeks. “I’m not a politician, at least not yet,” he said. “But I’ve spent my life listening to the people of Alabama. If there’s ever a time to take a stand, it may be now.” Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.