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

The race for the Alabama Republican nomination for lieutenant governor is reaching a fever pitch as Secretary of State Wes Allen and former Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl trade heated accusations in their final push toward the runoff.

Tax Promises Under Fire

The clash intensified Thursday after Allen circulated an open letter signed by 24 GOP state lawmakers. The legislators argued that Wahl is misleading voters by campaigning on tax cuts, noting that the lieutenant governor lacks the legislative authority to implement such changes. "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," the letter stated.

Wahl, who secured 40.6% of the vote in the May 19 primary compared to Allen’s 38%, pushed back on the criticism. He argues that the office serves as a potent platform for advocacy. "Let’s stop playing games," Wahl said in a statement, asserting that Allen himself has promised to form task forces on issues like government waste—actions that would also rely on influence rather than direct legislative power.

A Contest of Authority and Influence

The divide highlights the limited formal duties of the lieutenant governor, who presides over the state Senate but does not sponsor legislation or vote outside of rare tie-breaking scenarios. While Wahl has centered his campaign on promises to eliminate the grocery tax and phase out the state income tax, opponents point to the legislative process and the fact that income taxes fund more than two-thirds of the Education Trust Fund.

The policy debate also includes past fiscal records. Wahl has criticized Allen for his support of the 2019 Rebuild Alabama Act, which raised the gas tax. Allen defended the move as a responsible alternative to accumulating debt through borrowing for infrastructure projects, stating, "I voted to not borrow money to put our grandchildren in debt."

Ethics Allegations Escalated

The campaign has grown increasingly personal, with both candidates leveling ethics-related charges. Allen’s camp has attacked Wahl over expenditures made during his tenure as GOP chair, specifically highlighting payments to limousine services in Arlington, Virginia. Wahl maintains the allegations are false, clarifying that the charges were for donor retreats and that he relies on standard ride-sharing services for personal travel.

Conversely, Wahl has targeted Allen with claims regarding ethics complaints and campaign funding. Allen has flatly denied being under any ethics investigation and criticized Wahl for a delay in filing a statement of economic interest. Wahl subsequently provided correspondence from the Alabama Ethics Commission indicating he remained in compliance with state requirements.

Looking Toward the Finish Line

As the campaign nears its conclusion, voters are left to choose between candidates with distinct backgrounds. Allen, 50, emphasizes his experience as a probate judge, legislator, and secretary of state. Wahl, 39, who entered the race late in the cycle after receiving a Donald Trump endorsement, focuses on his tenure leading the state party.

The winner of the upcoming runoff will advance to the general election to face Democratic nominee Jeffrey McClaughlin.