Alabama GOP rivals clash over tax cut promise as nasty runoff race nears an end

The race for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor is reaching a fever pitch, with Secretary of State Wes Allen and former Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl locked in a bitter battle as the runoff nears.

The Tax Cut Debate

In a recent escalation, Allen circulated an open letter signed by 24 GOP state lawmakers, challenging the feasibility of Wahl’s campaign promises. The letter argues that the lieutenant governor lacks the legal authority to enact tax cuts, stating, "It is important to know the truth when you cast your ballot and to be aware when a candidate is making promises to you that are impossible to keep."

Wahl countered by asserting that the position serves as a vital platform for advocacy. "Let’s stop playing games," Wahl said in a statement. "Wes Allen and other Montgomery politicians know the Lieutenant Governor’s office is a powerful platform. They know candidates campaign on the policies they will fight for."

Runoff Outlook

The race remains tight following the May 19 primary, where Wahl secured 40.6% of the vote compared to Allen’s 38%. Wahl carries the endorsement of President Trump into the final stretch.

Tensions have been fueled by dueling advertisements. Wahl has campaigned on a platform to "eliminate the grocery tax, phase out the state income tax, and slash property taxes." Conversely, Allen’s camp emphasizes that tax changes require legislative action, noting that the lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate but does not hold voting power—except in the rare event of a tie—or legislative sponsorship duties.

Ethics and Backgrounds

The candidates have also exchanged barbs regarding personal and professional conduct. Allen’s camp has run advertisements questioning Wahl’s use of funds during his tenure as party chairman, labeling expenses for travel and lodging as self-serving. Wahl has rejected these claims, describing them as "absurd, dishonest, and deeply hypocritical," and maintaining that his expenses were standard for the office.

Meanwhile, Wahl has aimed his own criticism at Allen, alleging the use of taxpayer funds for self-promotion and highlighting Allen’s past support for the 2019 gas tax increase. Allen has vehemently denied being the subject of any ethics investigation and defended the Rebuild Alabama Act as a necessary, fiscally responsible move for the state’s infrastructure.

The political maneuvering intensified further when Allen questioned the timing of Wahl’s financial disclosure filings. Wahl, citing correspondence from the Alabama Ethics Commission, asserted that he has remained in compliance with state requirements.

Allen, 50, points to his experience as a probate judge, legislator, and secretary of state. Wahl, 39, enters the final days of the campaign after a tenure leading the state party. The victor of Tuesday’s runoff will proceed to the November general election to face Democratic nominee Jeffrey McClaughlin.