Longtime ESPN and SEC Network host Paul Finebaum is weighing a possible run for the United States Senate, citing the September 10 assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk as his inspiration, as reported by The Blaze.

Finebaum, who has hosted The Paul Finebaum Show for decades, told OutKick’s Clay Travis that Kirk’s death deeply affected him and left him questioning his current role in sports media.

“I spent four hours numb, talking about things that didn’t matter to me. And it kept building throughout that weekend,” Finebaum said in the interview. “I felt very empty doing what I was doing that day.”

Finebaum added that the incident left him reflecting on his purpose. “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.”

For the first time publicly, Finebaum also disclosed his political affiliation. “I am a registered Republican in North Carolina as of this hour. And I was a registered Republican in Alabama before I moved,” he said.

The 68-year-old Tennessee native revealed that he voted for President Donald Trump, though he noted, “they also tell us not to discuss that.”

The potential Senate run would be for the seat soon to be vacated by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who is reportedly preparing a campaign for governor. Finebaum said discussions with individuals in Alabama and Washington persuaded him to consider the opportunity.

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“One or two people in Washington had reached out to me about whether I would be interested in politics, something I’d never thought about before. Something I didn’t really think possible,” Finebaum said. He added that one particular conversation was “compelling and compassionate in the approach,” which helped push him toward seriously considering candidacy.

Initially, Finebaum dismissed the idea after hearing speculation that Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl might run for Tuberville’s seat. “I was hesitant and did not take the idea of running too seriously,” Finebaum admitted.

As the weekend after Kirk’s assassination unfolded, however, his perspective shifted. “I gave some thought to it … and got a little bit more interested,” he said.

Finebaum explained why Alabama would be the best fit for his entry into politics. “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.”

BlazeTV host Steve Deace said Finebaum has the recognition to succeed in Alabama. “He absolutely has the name ID to win a primary, which means winning the election in Alabama,” Deace said.

He also remarked on the irony of ESPN producing a conservative Senate candidate: “I’m fine with people in sports getting involved in politics, as long as they agree with me and know what time it is. It would be delicious irony for woke ESPN to produce a senator inspired by my friend Charlie Kirk’s boldness.”

ESPN declined to comment, and Finebaum’s program did not respond to media inquiries.

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