Jones and Ensler Proposed Joint Election Ticket
Alabama candidates seek a constitutional amendment to elect the governor and lieutenant governor as a unified team.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Elections
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Should states require governor and lieutenant governor candidates to run as a single ticket?
Doug Jones and Phillip Ensler have introduced a plan to require that the Alabama governor and lieutenant governor be elected on a single ticket. The proposal intends to shift the lieutenant governor's office into the executive branch to foster a more cohesive approach to state government.
Why it matters
The proposal seeks to increase transparency, efficiency, and accountability by aligning executive branch leadership. Candidates believe a joint ticket would eliminate current election separation and ensure a team-based approach to implementing state policy.
Twenty-seven states currently utilize joint tickets for gubernatorial elections. Passing the Alabama amendment requires approval from three-fifths of both chambers, where Republicans hold 76 House seats and 27 Senate seats.
The players
Doug Jones
He is the Democratic nominee for governor of Alabama who won his primary in May 2026.
Phillip Ensler
He is a current state representative and the proposed running mate for the Democratic gubernatorial ticket.
The details
Under the proposed amendment, candidates for governor would select a running mate to appear together on the ballot, effectively moving the lieutenant governor into the executive branch. Phillip Ensler, if elected, plans to serve as an adviser to Doug Jones, manage board and commission appointments, and visit all 67 Alabama counties annually.
Timeline
May 2026: Doug Jones won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
September 16, 2026: The proposed constitutional amendment was unveiled.
November 3, 2026: The general election and potential amendment vote are scheduled.
Political Context
The push for a joint ticket directly contradicts the recent trend of the Alabama legislature stripping the lieutenant governor of traditional legislative powers. By integrating the role into the executive, proponents challenge the existing structure that treats the office as a separate political entity.
If passed, the amendment would change how voters cast ballots by presenting a single ticket rather than separate candidates for governor and lieutenant governor. This would fundamentally alter the executive leadership structure and the political accountability of both offices for all Alabama citizens.
The takeaway
This proposal represents a significant attempt to reorganize Alabama's executive branch by shifting away from the state's historical tradition of independent elections for executive offices. Voters should monitor whether the proposal gains enough legislative support to reach the November ballot.
Further reading
For more background on the upcoming ballot measures, visit the Alabama Elections section.
Live Poll
Should states require governor and lieutenant governor candidates to run as a single ticket?
