John Wahl Announces Bid for Alabama Lieutenant Governor, Endorsed by Trump

Wahl steps down as Alabama GOP chair, vows to be Tuberville's 'wingman' in Montgomery

Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:31pm

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Former Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl formally announced his campaign for lieutenant governor on Tuesday, days after receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Wahl, a butterfly farmer from north Alabama, predicted a 'rough' campaign against Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, his main rival for the GOP nomination. Wahl said he plans to focus on issues like improving education, cutting taxes, and loosening regulations for businesses.

Why it matters

The lieutenant governor is the second-highest statewide official in Alabama, and Wahl's campaign is seen as an important part of the Republican Party's efforts to maintain control of the state's top offices. Wahl's endorsement from Trump is also significant, as the former president remains a powerful force within the GOP.

The details

Wahl stepped down as Alabama Republican Party chairman to run for lieutenant governor after being endorsed by President Donald Trump. Wahl said he views one of the office's biggest goals as supporting the governor's agenda, and he looks forward to working with Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor, as his 'wingman' in the state Senate if elected.

  • Wahl first looked at the lieutenant governor's race in June and July of 2025 but didn't think it was the right time.
  • Wahl formally announced his campaign for lieutenant governor on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The players

John Wahl

A butterfly farmer from north Alabama who previously served as the chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. Wahl is running for lieutenant governor of Alabama after receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

Wes Allen

The Alabama Secretary of State, who is Wahl's main rival for the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor. Allen has accused Wahl of voting with a 'homemade fake ID', which Wahl has dismissed as 'campaign lies'.

Tommy Tuberville

The current U.S. Senator from Alabama, who is running for governor and is widely considered the frontrunner. Wahl has said he looks forward to working with Tuberville as his 'wingman' in the state Senate if elected.

Jim Zeigler

The former Alabama state auditor, who helped create an ID card for Wahl that Allen has accused of being 'homemade or fake'. Zeigler has said the claim is 'simply false' and that the ID was professionally printed.

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What they’re saying

“I've been a confident and bold supporter of the America First agenda. To have his complete and total trust means the world to me, and I'm going to do my best to continue that fight as I campaign and earn the vote of every single Alabamian.”

— John Wahl, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama

“My opponent, Nehemiah John Wahl, admitted he tried to vote using a homemade fake ID. We cannot be more different. I, like President Trump, support voter ID laws while my opponent breaks them.”

— Wes Allen, Alabama Secretary of State

“The claim that the ID from the Auditor's Office used by John Wahl was homemade or fake is simply false. I approved the ID as State Auditor, and it was professionally printed by a vendor — not homemade.”

— Jim Zeigler, Former Alabama State Auditor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.