Wahl Leads Alabama Lieutenant Governor Race
Republican John Wahl holds a commanding early lead over Democrat Phillip Ensler in the statewide contest.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
Republican John Wahl leads Democrat Phillip Ensler in the Alabama lieutenant governor race, holding 55.11% of the vote with 82% of precincts reporting. Wahl's lead stands at nearly 162,000 votes.
Why it matters
The lieutenant governor is the second-highest office in Alabama, and Wahl's result marks his first bid for statewide office. His lead gives Republicans a strong position in a contest that will shape the state's executive leadership.
With 82% of precincts reporting, Wahl holds 55.11% of the vote and leads Ensler by nearly 162,000 votes according to Associated Press figures. The remaining precincts have not yet reported, so the final totals could still shift.
The players
John Wahl
Wahl is a Republican from Limestone County and the former chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, seeking his first statewide office.
Phillip Ensler
Ensler is a Democratic attorney who has represented the Montgomery area in the Alabama House since 2022.
The details
Wahl, a Limestone County resident and former chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, won the Republican primary over a crowded field that included Secretary of State Wes Allen and Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate. He delivered a speech at a watch party Tuesday night after the early returns were reported.
Timeline
Tuesday night (November 3, 2026): Wahl delivers victory speech at a watch party as early results are reported.
Political Context
Republicans have held Alabama's statewide executive offices for years, and Wahl's strong showing extends that pattern. Ensler's Democratic campaign faces a steep climb in a state where the party has struggled to win statewide races.
Alabama voters who supported Wahl will see a Republican in the state's second-highest office if the lead holds through the final count. The outcome determines who presides over the Alabama Senate and would step in if the governor is unavailable.
The takeaway
Election-night leads can narrow as remaining precincts report, so readers should follow certified results before drawing firm conclusions about the race.
Further reading
Explore more on the Elections coverage shaping Alabama's statewide races.
