Doug Jones and Phillip Ensler announced Wednesday that, if elected, they will work to reshape the role of lieutenant governor by increasing the office’s role in the executive branch.
That would include having candidates for governor select lieutenant governor candidates as running mates, similar to how candidates for president and vice president run on a single ticket in national elections. Under Alabama’s current system, candidates for governor and lieutenant governor are elected separately.
The lieutenant governor also has limited authority outside certain appointment and legislative functions.
“Right now it’s a strange hybrid that has some executive functions, but primarily legislative functions, and that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me,” Jones said. “In this past session of the Legislature, the Senate passed rules that stripped the lieutenant governor of even more authority than they had previously … now it’s almost like the lieutenant governor is a figurehead in the Legislature that just sits with a gavel.”
If elected in November, Jones said he would begin working with lawmakers on the specifics of a constitutional amendment to make the lieutenant governor part of the governor’s cabinet and help implement the administration’s agenda.
Any constitutional amendment of that nature would not take effect until after the 2028 election, but Jones said that if Ensler is elected alongside him, they would operate as a team to the extent allowed under existing law.
“I have such a confidence in Phil Ensler; in his abilities, his intellect, and being able to work across the aisle that I intend to start that process a little bit, even though it will be the traditional functions of the lieutenant governor and he will preside and of the things that the rules require him to do,” Jones said.
He clarified that Ensler’s assistance with executive functions would not be compensated and would operate within existing law.
Ensler said he believes the office can do more than carry out its legislative functions.
“People sometimes talk about the lieutenant governor role as one that’s just a stepping stone to higher office,” Ensler said. “I am focused on the role because it can make a difference. It can be a way to fight for legislation. It can be a way to speed up and stand up for things that matter to people. So I’m looking forward to carrying out the vision.”
