Conservative leader and former lieutenant governor candidate Pat Bishop has endorsed John Wahl in the Republican runoff for lieutenant governor, backing Wahl over current Secretary of State Wes Allen ahead of the June 16 election.
Bishop, who launched his campaign in May 2025, said his run for office centered on faith, family and flag. In endorsing Wahl, Bishop said he believes the Alabama Republican Party chairman shares those values and has the leadership needed to serve as lieutenant governor.
The endorsement gives Wahl another public show of support as he works to build momentum following his first-place finish in the Republican primary. Wahl will face Allen in a runoff that will determine the GOP nominee for one of Alabama’s top constitutional offices.
“John is not afraid to say what he means, and he means what he says,” Bishop said. “He exhibits the foundations and principles of leadership. Alabama deserves a lieutenant governor who answers to her people, not to the establishment and not to anyone who believes accountability is negotiable.”
Bishop said he and Wahl crossed paths during the campaign and found common ground on Christian values, education and the future of Alabama. In his full endorsement, Bishop recalled meeting Wahl at the governor’s Christmas party in Montgomery before Wahl officially entered the race.
“Though he had not entered the race for lieutenant governor at the time, we had a good discussion about very similar Christian values, education and how to make Alabama better,” Bishop said.
Bishop also pointed to a personal moment during the campaign that helped shape his view of Wahl. He said that while preparing for an event in Montgomery, he learned his son, Andrew, had been in a car accident in South Carolina. Bishop said Wahl was among those who quickly contacted him to offer prayers and concern.
“That in itself went a long way with me,” Bishop said.
In his endorsement, Bishop said Wahl would work on issues involving education, veterans, business growth, religious liberty, government waste and parental rights. Bishop also cited concerns involving the Alabama Department of Corrections, the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles and the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
“John will work to fix issues with our education system, make resources more accessible for our military veterans, grow business, address the hypocrisy within the Alabama Department of Corrections, Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles and Alabama Department of Human Resources, protect religious liberty, eliminate waste, recognize and support the fundamental right and essential duty of parents to direct their child’s health and educational well-being,” Bishop said.
“John is a good friend, fighter and leader, and will be a terrific lieutenant governor of Alabama,” Bishop added.
Wahl said he was grateful for Bishop’s support and praised Bishop’s record of service in the military, law enforcement, his community and his campaign for lieutenant governor.
“I am incredibly grateful to have Pat Bishop’s endorsement,” Wahl said. “Pat has dedicated his life to serving others through the military, law enforcement, his community and his campaign for lieutenant governor. His campaign was built on faith, family and common sense, and I am honored to have him standing with us as we continue fighting for Alabama’s conservative values.”
Wahl said the runoff is about the direction of the state and framed his campaign around faith, family, lower taxes, parental rights and putting Alabama families first.
“This runoff is about the future of our state,” Wahl said. “Alabamians deserve a lieutenant governor who will stand strong, never back down and always fight for the people—not the special interests. I am ready to take that fight to Montgomery.”
The Republican runoff election will be held June 16.
