Butterfly farms, ‘homemade’ IDs and the war of words: Alabama’s Lt. Gov race turns ugly
Wahl, the former state party chair who has President Trump's endorsement, held a narrow lead over Allen in Tuesday's primary.
Mason Reed 
The race for Alabama lieutenant governor has turned into a high-stakes showdown as former state Republican Party Chairman John Wahl and Secretary of State Wes Allen barrel toward their June 16 runoff.
In the May 19 primary, Wahl—bolstered by a high-profile endorsement from President Trump—secured 41% of the vote, edging out Allen, who finished with 38%. With the two candidates capturing over three-quarters of the total vote, the campaign has evolved into a bitter, direct clash between two men vying to define their conservative credentials.
A Campaign of Confrontation
Allen, 50, is banking on his extensive public service record as a probate judge, legislator, and secretary of state. Meanwhile, 39-year-old Wahl entered the race just before the filing deadline, leveraging his Trump endorsement to quickly gain momentum.
The tone has been sharp. Allen recently criticized Wahl for skipping the 2020 Republican primary, arguing that the party needed every vote during a crucial election cycle. Wahl brushed off the attack as a desperate move, stating, "It is ridiculous to say that I didn’t support President Trump because I missed one election due to circumstances outside of my control."
Business Disputes and Residency Questions
The sparring has extended into Wahl's business background. Wahl, known for his work with butterflies, also reports ownership of Wisemen Trading and Supply. Allen has alleged that the entity is not properly registered, a claim Wahl flatly rejects, noting that sole proprietorships are not subject to the same Secretary of State filing requirements as corporations.
Residency has also been a focal point. Allen’s campaign previously funded a $20,000 legal challenge regarding Wahl’s Tennessee residency history. While the state GOP steering committee ultimately declined to hold a hearing on the matter, the issue has remained a consistent talking point in the final weeks of the race.
Conservative Records at Stake
Allen is highlighting his track record on social issues, including his decision as a Pike County probate judge to stop issuing marriage licenses in 2015, and his sponsorship of legislation banning gender transition treatments for minors. Wahl, meanwhile, emphasizes his tenure as party chairman, noting his role as one of the electors who voted for Trump in 2020.
Fundraising remains tight between the two, with Wahl raising $1.8 million to Allen’s $1.7 million. Whoever survives this heated runoff will go on to face Democratic nominee Phillip Ensler in the general election on Nov. 3. The winner of that contest will eventually succeed Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who is finishing his second term in the office.
