Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl defeated Secretary of State Wes Allen on Tuesday in a contentious primary runoff election, clinching the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor.
Following Wahl’s victory, Democratic nominee Phillip Ensler sent a fundraising email reacting to the Republican contest and encouraging voters to support him over Wahl in the November general election.
“The results are in from last night’s Republican runoff for lieutenant governor,” Ensler said. “One thing is clear: President Trump’s extreme MAGA agenda will be on the ballot in November.”
Ensler pointed to the bitter race between Wahl and Allen as indicative of a larger splintering within the Alabama Republican Party, one he hopes to capitalize on in November.
“The GOP primary was a divisive slugfest, leaving a huge faction of Republicans dissatisfied and angry,” Ensler said. “This creates a huge opening for our campaign to win over some moderate Republican voters, adding to our already large and growing coalition.”
Ensler also noted the low turnout in both Tuesday’s Republican runoff and the May 19 GOP primary, implying that Democratic voters in Alabama are more motivated than their Republican counterparts.
“I received more votes in my primary victory than my opponent received in both the primary and yesterday’s runoff,” Ensler said.
Ensler won the Democratic primary with 196,765 votes, compared with Wahl’s 192,483 votes on May 19 and 175,724 votes in the runoff. However, it remains to be seen whether Republican turnout will continue to lag in November.
Ensler concluded by continuing to encourage Alabamians to support his campaign alongside Democratic gubernatorial candidate Doug Jones.
“My campaign has always focused on the issues that matter most to Alabamians, and that was never going to change based on the outcome of last night’s runoff,” Ensler said. “I have consistently offered solutions, not distractions. I have built a campaign based on bringing people together. I have continued to talk about affordable healthcare, strengthening our schools, making our communities safer, and putting more money in people’s pockets.”
“On November 3, the choice is clear: an Alabama for some or an Alabama for all,” Ensler said. “I am working tirelessly, seven days a week, to win along with Doug Jones. This race is winnable and Doug and I have shown that we have what it takes to make history again in Alabama.”
