John Wahl Enters Alabama Lieutenant Governor Race
Former Alabama GOP Chair John Wahl launched his Lieutenant Governor campaign in Hoover with President Donald Trump’s endorsement
John Wahl, who until last Friday served as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, formally kicked off his campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama Tuesday at ALGOP Headquarters in Hoover.
Wahl qualified in the race just before 5:00 PM Friday, the final day to do so.
Wahl’s announcement follows a high-profile endorsement from President Donald Trump, who publicly backed him last Thursday evening.
“President Trump understands that Alabama needs a Lieutenant Governor who will fight unapologetically for the America First agenda — and that’s why he endorsed me,” Wahl said in his campaign message. “Alabama can lead the nation in a conservative resurgence to protect our rights, our freedoms, and our values.”
Wahl highlighted his record leading the Alabama GOP, pointing to fundraising successes and record turnout at party events. He said those results will carry over into his campaign priorities, including election security, job creation, tax cuts, and education reform.
“Now, I’m ready to take that fight to the Lieutenant Governor’s office. It’s time to secure our elections, rebuild our economy, create jobs, cut taxes, lower regulations, put parents back in control of their children’s education, and always put the people of Alabama first,” Wahl said. “It’s time for Alabama to lead the nation on conservative principles.”
Wahl served as State GOP chairman since 2021 and stepped down after qualifying for the Lieutenant Governor race. His tenure saw the Party raise millions and organize what Party officials called the largest political rally in State history.
Some, particularly Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen (himself a candidate for Lt. Governor) have criticized Wahl for the timing of his announcement and, saying that Wahl has “betrayed his obligation to the Alabama Republican Party.
When asked about this by ALpolitics.com, Wahl responded by saying, “I have complete faith in the staff of the Alabama Republican Party and Chairman Joan Reynolds to lead the Party forward. I want to thank Wes Allen for thinking that somehow the Party would fall apart without me, and realizing the leadership that I have. But, no organization is bigger than one person, and I have complete faith that the Party is going to move forward to be just as strong in the years to come.”
A close ally of both Trump and U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is stepping down from the Senate to run for Governor of Alabama, Wahl said he would stand with them in upholding what he described as “God-given rights and freedoms.”
Wahl joins a crowded Republican field for the May 19, 2026, primary that already includes Secretary Wes Allen, Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Rick Pate, Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth, Patrick Bishop, Dean Odle and Dr. Stuart Tankersley.
To learn more about John Wahl and his campaign, visit https://votejohnwahl.com or follow him on social media,
