John Wahl Wins Alabama Lieutenant Governor GOP Runoff as Senate Race Heads to November

Trump-Endorsed Wahl Secures Republican Nomination

John Wahl captured the Republican nomination for Alabama lieutenant governor on Tuesday, defeating current Secretary of State Wes Allen in a runoff election that drew 11 percent statewide voter turnout. Wahl secured 57 percent of the vote compared to Allen’s 43 percent across all 67 Alabama counties. President Donald Trump had endorsed Wahl ahead of the runoff, providing crucial momentum in the final weeks of the campaign.

Wahl addressed supporters at his watch party in Tanner around 9:20 p.m., delivering an acceptance speech focused on freedom, liberty and standing for Alabama families. He outlined an agenda centered on lowering the cost of living and cutting tax burdens on working families, while promising to return power to local teachers and parents in the education system. The victory positions Wahl to face Democratic candidate Phillip Ensler in November’s general election.

“They’re tired of government. They’re tired of unelected bureaucrats thinking they know how to live our life better than we do, and they’re looking for freedom,” Wahl told supporters. “They’re looking for a candidate who’s going to go to Montgomery, who’s going to drain the swamp, who’s going to fight for what’s right and not back down.”

The lieutenant governor race originally featured six other candidates before narrowing to the final two contenders. Wahl acknowledged the other candidates during his victory speech, stating he heard great ideas from all of them on the campaign trail. He expressed interest in working with former opponents if he reaches Montgomery after the November election.

Moore Captures Senate Nomination with Trump Backing

In the race for U.S. Senate, Representative Barry Moore secured the Republican nomination with 56 percent of the vote, defeating former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson who captured 44 percent. Moore, a third-term congressman representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District, also carried President Trump’s endorsement into the runoff. The winner will compete against the Democratic nominee in November to succeed Senator Tommy Tuberville, who chose to run for governor rather than seek a second Senate term.

Hudson operates a security and weapons training company and founded a nonprofit combating human trafficking after his military service. Despite his credentials and campaign message, he could not overcome Moore’s incumbent advantage and presidential backing. The Senate seat represents one of the most significant prizes in Alabama’s political landscape this cycle, with national implications for party control of the upper chamber.

On the Democratic side, Everett Wess won the Senate nomination with 55 percent over Dakarai Larriett, who received 45 percent. Wess will face Moore in November’s general election in what promises to be a heavily contested race in the Republican-leaning state.

Statewide Republican Runoffs Determine Key Nominations

Katherine Robertson emerged victorious in the Republican runoff for Attorney General, capturing 55 percent of the vote against Jay Mitchell‘s 45 percent. The position carries significant authority over state law enforcement and legal matters, making it one of the most powerful offices in Alabama government. Robertson will carry the Republican banner into November as the party seeks to maintain its grip on constitutional offices.

For Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Corey Hill narrowly defeated Christina Woerner McInnis with 53 percent to 47 percent. The close margin reflects divided support within the Republican base for agricultural policy direction. Hill’s victory gives him the opportunity to shape Alabama’s farming and food production oversight heading into the general election.

Jim “Zig” Zeigler secured the Republican nomination for Public Service Commission, Place 2 with 51 percent over Chris Beeker‘s 49 percent. The razor-thin victory underscores competitive dynamics even within party primaries for regulatory positions that oversee utilities and telecommunications.

Congressional Primaries Await August Special Election

Governor Kay Ivey scheduled a special primary election for August 11 to pick nominees for the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th Congressional Districts. The unusual timing follows a U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed Alabama to use a Republican-backed congressional map from 2023. The map could help the party pick up a House seat, prompting the scheduling change from the original primary date.

These special congressional primaries will not include runoffs, meaning the top vote-getter in each race will secure the nomination regardless of majority status. This format differs from the statewide runoffs held Tuesday, where candidates needed to clear the 50 percent threshold. The compressed timeline between the August primary and November general election will test campaign organizations’ ability to mobilize quickly.

Local Races Complete November Ballot

In Jefferson County, Democrats selected nominees for several local positions, with no contested Republican races in the county. Gigi Hayes dominated the Alabama House of Representatives District 52 Democratic primary with 75 percent over LaTanya Millhouse‘s 25 percent. The lopsided margin gives Hayes a strong foundation heading into the general election.

For Jefferson County Assistant Tax Collector in the Bessemer Division, Mykeshia Myles Jones narrowly prevailed over Ron Marshall with 53 percent to 47 percent in a closely watched local contest. The administrative position handles property tax collection for the Bessemer area, making it significant for county revenue operations despite its lower profile compared to statewide races.

Tuesday’s runoffs finalized the party nominees for most races heading into November’s general election, when candidates will compete across a full docket of state and federal contests in the heavily Republican state. The low statewide turnout reflects typical patterns for runoff elections, which historically draw fewer voters than initial primaries or general elections. All results remain unofficial pending final certification by county election officials.