On Monday, Representative Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, became the first Democratic candidate to file initial paperwork setting up a run for lieutenant governor in the upcoming cycle.
“I am grateful to have been encouraged by so many people: political leaders, constituents, residents all over the state, family, and friends,” Ensler wrote in an email responding to questions from APR. “The biggest impact—and person—on my decision though was thinking of my late father who passed 2.5 years ago. He was so proud of me serving and I want to continue to make him proud as he watches down on me.”
First elected in 2022 in a traditionally Republican district after its borders were redrawn, Ensler had announced in July that he would not be seeking re-election.
In a statement explaining that announcement, Ensler wrote that he planned to “return to [his] native New York” after finishing his current term in 2026 due to a desire to be closer to his family. However, in another statement released earlier this week, Ensler said that in recent months he’s reconsidered the decision to move back to New York because his “heart is here in Alabama and with the people who have become my extended family.”
“I’ve been overwhelmed by how many people all over the state of varying political beliefs and backgrounds have strongly encouraged me to stay and continue to pursue public service,” the representative continued.
While serving in the state House, Ensler has repeatedly introduced bills intended to address gun violence. He’s sponsored legislation that would restrict the sale and possession of parts able to turn firearms into machine guns in the past three legislative sessions.
In response to a question from APR about how his time in the state legislature would affect his possible work as lieutenant governor, Ensler said that as a representative, he has “seen first hand that Alabamians want their public servants to focus on solutions to real problems, not culture wars and personal opinions.”
“I have proven that it is possible and necessary to work across the aisle to solve problems,” he wrote. “I have delivered on promises to improve public safety and save lives from gun violence, expand access to mental health services, increase community health care, and much more to empower and uplift all residents, especially the most vulnerable.”
Ensler officially filed to run for lieutenant governor less than one month after former U.S. Senator Doug Jones entered the Democratic primary for governor. Jones told the Alabama Daily News that he is “really, really excited that Phil is staying in Alabama and I’m excited about the opportunity to run alongside him.”
“Phil is a dedicated legislator and he’s also been effective,” the former senator explained. “I think he brings a lot to the party, a lot to the ticket and ultimately will make a great lieutenant governor.”
Ensler told APR that Jones entering the race was “a source of inspiration” but “ultimately, my decision [to run] was made from a deep desire to keep serving Alabamians who are tired of the status quo.”
While Ensler is the first candidate to file paperwork for a run for lieutenant governor as a Democrat, the Republican primary is already relatively crowded. Announced Republican candidates for the office include secretary of state Wes Allen, agricultural commissioner Rick Pate, pastor Dean Odle, and Nicole Wadsworth, the wife of state Rep. Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley.
The Republican and Democratic primaries will be held on May 19, 2026.
