2026 Alabama lieutenant gubernatorial election
November 3, 2026
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The 2026 Alabama lieutenant gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the next lieutenant governor of Alabama. The primary election will be held on May 19, 2026. Incumbent Will Ainsworth is term-limited and ineligible to seek a third full consecutive term.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Wes Allen, secretary of state (2023–present)[1]
- Patrick Bishop, Cullman County deputy[2]
- George Childress, community advocate[3]
- Rick Pate, commissioner of agriculture and industries (2019–present)[4]
- Stewart Tankersley, physician and former member of the Alabama Ethics Commission[5]
- Nicole Wadsworth, commercial realtor and wife of state representative Tim Wadsworth[6]
- John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama Republican Party (2021–2026)[5]
Disqualified
Withdrawn
- A. J. McCarron, former professional football player[8]
Declined
- Mo Brooks, former U.S. representative from Alabama's 5th congressional district (2011–2023) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2017 and 2022[9]
- Steve Marshall, Attorney General (2017–present) (running for U.S. Senate)[10]
Campaign
Nicole Wadsworth's campaign was the first to attract media attention following a request that was sent out to news organizations, in which her campaign requested that she be called "Dr. Nicole Wadsworth". The AP Stylebook, which many organizations use to dictate how to write news articles, says that only medical doctors should be referred to as such.[11][12] The next week, her campaign announced that they had made an error listing her credentials and that she had not received as PhD from the University of Alabama, but instead from the North Central Theological Seminary.[13][14] That school had not been accredited by any organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.[15] Her entire campaign staff resigned following the report.[16] Later in June, her lawyers requested that 1819 News take down all stories relating to her academic credentials.[17]
Wes Allen has campaigned on his record as Secretary of State, especially his efforts to purge voter rolls.[18] Following A. J. McCarron's entry into the race, Allen stated that "I have a solid record."[19]
McCarron made his first campaign appearance in November, at an Eastern Shore Republican Women's luncheon. He did not make public comments, and his campaign representative stated that McCarron would be announcing his campaign initiatives soon. Allen was the only other candidate who attended the luncheon.[20] McCarron withdrew from the race in December to become the head coach for the Birmingham Stallions.[21]
AL.com first reported on a potential candidacy from John Wahl, the chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, in April 2025 after Steve Flowers mentioned Wahl as a potential candidate in 2026.[22] Wahl confirmed to 1819 News that he was exploring a campaign for lieutenant governor in May 2025,[23] and 256 Today reported that he was still considering it as of November 2025.[24] Despite Wahl never formally announcing a campaign between then and January 2026, president Donald Trump endorsed Wahl as a possible candidate for lieutenant governor through a Truth Social post on January 22, 2026, shortly before candidate qualifying closed the next day.[25] He qualified to run on January 23, and raised over $1 million in the first twelve days of his campaign.[26]
Endorsements
Wes Allen
- State legislators
- 39 state representatives[27][a]
- Mac McCutcheon, chair of the Madison County commission and former speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives (2016–2022)[28]
- Individuals
- Brilyn Hollyhand, conservative activist[29]
- Organizations
Rick Pate
- Organizations
John Wahl
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, 45th and 47th president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[25]
Debates and forums
| No. | Date | Host | Moderator | Link | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key: P Participant A Absent N Not invited I Invited W Withdrawn |
|||||||||||
| Allen | Bishop | Childress | Pate | Tankersley | Wadsworth | Wahl | |||||
| 1[38] | March 3, 2026 | Republican Women of Huntsville |
Bryan Dawson | N/A | A | P | A | P | P | P | P |
| 2[39] | March 12, 2026 | Eastern Shore Republican Women |
N/A | N/A | A | P | A | P | A | P | P |
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of February 28, 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Other receipts | Spent | Cash on hand | |
| Wes Allen (R) | $1,262,225 | $269,8030 | $159,216 | $1,327,839 | |
| Patrick Bishop (R) | $7,252 | $4,728 | $9,849 | $2,132 | |
| Rick Pate (R) | $453,496 | $250,000 | $168,067 | $535,429 | |
| Nicole Wadsworth (R) | $162,945 | $222,000 | $74,225 | $310,719 | |
| John Wahl (R) | $1,534,132 | $60,000 | $23,673 | $1,320,459 | |
| Source: Alabama FCPA[40] | |||||
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Wes Allen |
A.J. McCarron |
Rick Pate |
Nicole Wadsworth |
John Wahl |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Alabama Poll[41] | February 1–4, 2026 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 23% | N/a | 6% | 6% | 6% | 59% |
| McCarron withdraws from the race | |||||||||
| The Alabama Poll[42] | December 15, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 18% | 31% | 8% | 2% | N/a | 41% |
| The Alabama Poll[43] | August 24–26, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 28% | N/a | 12% | N/a | N/a | 61% |
Hypothetical polling
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Wes Allen | |||
| Republican | Pat Bishop | |||
| Republican | George Childress | |||
| Republican | Rick Pate | |||
| Republican | Stewart Hill Tankersley | |||
| Republican | Nicole Jones Wadsworth | |||
| Republican | John Wahl | |||
| Total votes | 100.00 | |||
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Phillip Ensler, member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 74th district (2022–present)[45]
- Darryl Perryman, funeral company CEO and former Clarke County school board member[46]
Endorsements
Phillip Ensler
- U.S. senators
- Doug Jones, Alabama (2018–2021) and candidate for governor in 2026[47]
- Statewide officials
- Ron Sparks, former commissioner of agriculture and industries (2003–2011) and nominee for the position in 2026[48]
- State representatives
- Anthony Daniels, minority leader of the Alabama House of Representatives (2017–present) from the 53rd district (2014–present)[47]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of February 28, 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Other receipts | Spent | Cash on hand | |
| Phillip Ensler (D) | $136,696 | $0 | $44,885 | $91,810 | |
| Darryl Perryman (D) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Source: Alabama FCPA[40] | |||||
Campaign
Ensler announced his run for lieutenant governor in December 2025. He described Doug Jones' entry into the 2026 Alabama gubernatorial election as an inspiration for his decision.[49] His lone opponent, Darryl Perryman, qualified to run in January 2026.[50]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Phillip Ensler | |||
| Democratic | Darryl D. Perryman | |||
| Total votes | 100.00 | |||
Notes
- ^
- Russell Bedsole, state representative from the 49th district[27]
- Bryan Brinyark, state representative from the 16th district[27]
- Chip Brown, state representative from the 105th district[27]
- Mack Butler, state representative from the 28th district[27]
- Jim Carns, state representative from the 48th district[27]
- Brock Colvin, state representative from the 26th district[27]
- Danny Crawford, state representative from the 5th district[27]
- Brett Easterbrook, state representative from the 65th district[27]
- David Faulkner, state representative from the 46th district[27]
- Matthew Hammett, state representative from the 92nd district[27]
- Jim Hill, state representative from the 50th district[27]
- Reed Ingram, state representative from the 75th district[27]
- Jamie Kiel, state representative from the 18th district[27]
- Mike Kirkland, state representative from the 23rd district[27]
- Bill Lamb, state representative from the 62nd district[27]
- Paul Lee, state representative from the 86th district[27]
- Craig Lipscomb, state representative from the 30th district[27]
- James Lomax, state representative from the 20th district[27]
- Rhett Marques, state representative from the 91st district[27]
- Arnold Mooney, state representative from the 43rd district[27]
- Parker Moore, state representative from the 4th district[27]
- Ed Oliver, state representative from the 81st district[27]
- Marcus Paramore, state representative from the 89th district[27]
- Rick Rehm, state representative from the 85th district[27]
- Phillip Rigsby, state representative from the 25th district[27]
- Chad Robertson, state representative from the 40th district[27]
- Jeana Ross, state representative from the 27th district[27]
- Ginny Shaver, state representative from the 39th district[27]
- Mike Shaw, state representative from the 47th district[27]
- Matt Simpson, state representative from the 96th district[27]
- Ivan Smith, state representative from the 42nd district[27]
- Scott Stadthagen, majority leader of the Alabama House of Representatives (2023–2026) from the 9th district (2019–present)[27]
- Shane Stringer, state representative from the 102nd district[27]
- Troy Stubbs, state representative from the 31st district[27]
- Allen Treadaway, state representative from the 51st district[27]
- Kerry Underwood, state representative from the 3rd district[27]
- Ritchie Whorton, state representative from the 22nd district[27]
- Randy Wood, state representative from the 36th district[27]
- Ernie Yarbrough, state representative from the 7th district[27]
- ^ a b Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear
References
- ^ Cason, Mike (February 18, 2025). "Alabama's top election official running for lieutenant governor in 2026". AL.com. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ Moseley, Brandon (June 1, 2025). "Patrick Bishop announces run for Lieutenant Governor". The Alabama Gazette. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
- ^ Vincent, JJ (May 27, 2025). "Retired Army Major announces bid for Lieutenant Governor". FOX 54. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
Others in the race include: ... Community Advocate George Childress
- ^ Taylor, Caleb (May 29, 2025). "Ag commissioner Rick Pate running for lieutenant governor in 2026". 1819 News. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
- ^ a b Cason, Mike (January 23, 2026). "Trump endorsed Alabama GOP chairman enters lieutenant governor's race just before deadline". AL.com. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
- ^ Sack, Wendy (May 22, 2025). "Dr. Nicole Wadsworth kicks off Alabama lieutenant governor campaign". The Cullman Tribune. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ "ALGOP clears Wahl, Tuberville, Gudger, Odle removed as ballot challenges narrowed". Alabama Political Reporter. February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
- ^ Fay, Ryan (December 17, 2025). "Former University of Alabama star AJ McCarron ends bid for lieutenant governor". WHNT News 19. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
- ^ Taylor, Daniel (January 16, 2026). "Mo Brooks officially not running for office in 2026 — 'Family time is far more enjoyable'". 1819 News. Retrieved January 16, 2026.
- ^ Baker, Trent. "'The nation needs strong conservative leadership': Steve Marshall announces U.S. Senate bid". 1819 News. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
- ^ Cason, Mike (June 4, 2025). "Candidate for one of Alabama's top offices asks to be called doctor". AL.com. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Monger, Craig. "Call her 'doctor': Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Nicole Wadsworth's campaign demands use of academic 'Dr.' title in all reporting". 1819 News. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Gann, Heather (June 11, 2025). "Political candidate who wanted to be called doctor admits she has no PhD from University of Alabama". AL.com. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Everett, Grayson (June 11, 2025). "'Dr.' Nicole Wadsworth falsely claimed University of Alabama PhD, campaign admits". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Phillips, Chance (June 12, 2025). "Wadsworth's campaign grossly misrepresented her academic credentials". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Everett, Grayson (June 12, 2025). "Nicole Wadsworth's entire campaign staff quits, citing 'persistent misinformation'". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Monger, Craig. "Lawyers for lieutenant governor hopeful Nicole Wadsworth request story calling candidate's academic credentials into question 'be removed' from 1819 News". 1819 News. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Sharp, John (July 8, 2025). "Running for Lt. Governor, Wes Allen leans hard on Secretary of State record". AL.com. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
- ^ Everett, Grayson (October 23, 2025). "Wes Allen responds to AJ McCarron entering 2026 Lt. Governor's race: 'I have a solid record'". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
- ^ Sharp, John (November 13, 2025). "Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron has little to say in early campaign appearance". AL.com. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
- ^ Inabinett, Mark (December 18, 2025). "AJ McCarron returning to the United Football League". AL.com. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
- ^ Cason, Mike (April 1, 2025). "Who will be Alabama's next lieutenant governor? Why it might be the 'best race on the ballot' in 2026". AL.com. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ Taylor, Caleb (May 30, 2025). "ALGOP chair John Wahl 'strongly considering' running for lieutenant governor in 2026". 1819 News. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ Alloway, A.B. (November 21, 2025). "Jones to make it official? Another candidate for Lt. Gov.? Winter is coming; and more in this week's OTR". 256 Today. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ a b Taylor, Caleb (January 22, 2026). "Trump endorses ALGOP chair Wahl as possible candidate for lieutenant governor". 1819 News. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ Sharp, John (February 4, 2026). "Trump-backed John Wahl races to fundraising lead in Alabama lieutenant governor race". AL.com. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an Everett, Grayson. "Majority of Alabama House Republicans endorse Wes Allen for Lt. Governor in 2026". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
- ^ Knowles, Sawyer (March 19, 2026). "Mac McCutcheon endorses Wes Allen for Lt. Governor: 'Standing strong' against 'liberal agenda'". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ^ "Brilyn Hollyhand joins Wes Allen's lieutenant governor campaign". Alabama Political Reporter. June 27, 2025. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
- ^ Zeigler, Jim (October 1, 2025). "ALFA makes endorsements in 2026 Alabama statewide races". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ Blevins, Sherri (November 17, 2025). "Alabama Forestry Association endorses Wes Allen for lieutenant governor". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved November 17, 2025.
- ^ Blevins, Sherri (September 25, 2025). "ABC of Alabama endorses Wes Allen for Lieutenant Governor". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
- ^ Chitwood, Bill (January 9, 2026). "BCA ProgressPAC Backs Allen for Alabama Lt. Governor". ALPolitics.com. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
- ^ Taylor, Caleb (February 3, 2026). "Electric Cooperatives of Alabama endorse Wes Allen for lieutenant governor". 1819 News. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
- ^ "Home Builders Association of Alabama endorses Wes Allen for Lt. Governor". Yellowhammer News. March 5, 2026. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ^ "Manufacture Alabama endorses Secretary of State Wes Allen in lieutenant governor race". Yellowhammer News. January 23, 2026. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
- ^ "Associated General Contractors PAC endorses Rick Pate for lieutenant governor". Alabama Political Reporter. June 10, 2025. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
- ^ Keel, Carson (March 3, 2026). "Republican candidates present diverse visions for Alabama lieutenant governor race at candidate forum". FOX 54. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ Thomas, Erica (March 12, 2026). "Republican lieutenant governor candidates talk faith, family, flag on Eastern Shore". 1819 News. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
- ^ a b "Political Race Search". Alabama FCPA. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ Sell, Mary (February 6, 2026). "Poll: Despite Trump endorsements, Marshall, Allen still lead races". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
- ^ Poor, Jeff (January 6, 2026). "Alabama Poll: Undecideds outpace field in statewide GOP primary races". 1819 News. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
- ^ Chitwood, Bill (September 15, 2025). "Trump Holds Commanding Lead in First Alabama Poll; Marshall Tops Early Senate Field". AL Politics. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
- ^ Corley, Jason (October 16, 2025). "Alabama Republican Primary Survey". Quantus Insights. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ^ Cason, Mike (December 18, 2025). "Outgoing Democrat who beat GOP lawmaker running for one of Alabama's top offices". AL.com. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
- ^ Gann, Heather (February 5, 2026). "Alabama 2026 election: Everyone running for lieutenant governor". AL.com. Retrieved February 8, 2026.
- ^ a b Stacy, Todd (December 18, 2025). "Ensler to announce run for lieutenant governor". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
- ^ Hagan, Victor (March 11, 2026). "UACD hosts Democratic candidate for Alabama commissioner of agriculture, industries". The Crimson White. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
- ^ Phillips, Chance (December 19, 2025). "Rep. Phillip Ensler becomes first Democratic candidate in lieutenant governor race". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
- ^ Gann, Heather (February 5, 2026). "Alabama 2026 election: Everyone running for lieutenant governor". AL.com. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
External links
- Official campaign websites