Alabama Lieutenant Governor Candidates in Fundraising Deadlock After Trump Endorsement

Secretary of State Wes Allen and Trump-backed John Wahl neck-and-neck in Republican primary race

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The race for Alabama's lieutenant governor has become increasingly tense, with the Republican primary candidates Wes Allen and John Wahl in a virtual fundraising deadlock after Wahl received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Allen, the current Secretary of State, raised slightly more than Wahl in February, but Wahl had a stronger January fundraising haul. The two have also clashed over Wahl's eligibility to serve due to a residency challenge.

Why it matters

The lieutenant governor's race is a high-profile contest in Alabama, with the winner positioned to potentially succeed the governor. The fundraising battle and residency dispute between the top Republican candidates highlight the divisive nature of the primary and the influence of national political figures like Trump in shaping the race.

The details

In February, Allen raised $213,000, with $165,000 coming from political action committees, ending the month with $1.373 million on hand. Wahl raised $157,597, following a January in which he entered the race and brought in over $1.15 million, ending February with $1.32 million. On the Democratic side, state Rep. Phillip Ensler of Montgomery raised over $26,600 from individual donors. The Allen campaign has also disclosed a $20,000 payment to a law firm that was then used to support a challenge to Wahl's eligibility based on residency requirements.

  • In January, Wahl entered the race and received Trump's endorsement.
  • In early February, a challenge to Wahl's eligibility was brought forward.

The players

Wes Allen

Alabama Secretary of State, running for lieutenant governor in the Republican primary.

John Wahl

Trump-endorsed candidate running for lieutenant governor in the Republican primary.

Phillip Ensler

Democratic state representative running for lieutenant governor.

Gil Isbell

Member of the GOP executive committee who challenged Wahl's eligibility.

Joan Reynolds

Acting chair of the Alabama Republican Party who cast the tie-breaking vote on Wahl's eligibility.

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What they’re saying

“I am grateful for the support I have received from across the state as I am campaigning to become Alabama's next Lieutenant Governor. It is clear that voters want someone with a conservative record, not just rhetoric. They want a candidate who has support from real Alabamians instead of hundreds of thousands of dollars of out-of-state money.”

— Wes Allen, Alabama Secretary of State (al.com)

“When Alabama families are scraping to pay the light bill and still find a way to give to this campaign, that tells you everything about who this movement belongs to. It belongs to them. And if I am privileged enough to serve as Lieutenant Governor, I will never forget it.”

— Phillip Ensler, Democratic state representative (al.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow John Wahl out on bail.

The takeaway

This race highlights the influence of national political figures and outside money in Alabama's Republican primaries, as well as ongoing debates around residency requirements and the role of campaign finance in shaping state-level elections.