GOP candidate for one of Alabama’s top offices wants to return to days of one wage earner homes

With the June 16 runoff fast approaching, Secretary of State Wes Allen and former Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl took to the stage Monday night at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Hosted by 1819 News, the debate offered a final look at the candidates' priorities for the lieutenant governor’s office—a role that handles Senate proceedings, board assignments, and gubernatorial succession.

A Competitive Path to the Runoff

Both candidates advanced from a crowded field after the May 19 primary. Wahl led the pack with 40.6% of the vote, while Allen secured 38%. Now, they face a head-to-head showdown. Despite the contentious nature of the earlier campaign trail, the two maintained a professional tone during their latest debate.

Economic Visions and Taxation

Economic stability took center stage as the top priority. Wahl, who entered the race late after securing a presidential endorsement, articulated a desire to return to an era where a single wage earner can comfortably support a family. To achieve this, he proposed continuing efforts to eliminate the state income tax, citing the success of states like Florida and Tennessee.

Wahl also championed further reductions in the state sales tax on food. While lawmakers have successfully lowered the rate from 4% to 2% and implemented a recent two-month sales tax holiday, the path to eliminating income tax remains complex, given that income tax accounts for over two-thirds of the state’s Education Trust Fund—a pool that saw $7.5 billion in collections during fiscal year 2025.

Focusing on Industry and Accountability

Allen, drawing on his experience as a probate judge, legislator, and secretary of state, encouraged voters to evaluate his candidacy as they would a college football coach's record. His policy proposals include establishing a task force to mirror national efforts in cutting government waste, fraud, and abuse by engaging private business leaders. He also highlighted the state’s timber industry as a critical economic pillar, pledging to work directly with generational family businesses to remove regulatory hurdles.

Cultural Stances and Education

The candidates also diverged on social and cultural issues. Wahl emphasized his efforts as the Alabama Public Library Service board chair to restrict children’s access to books with transgender themes, promising to bring a similar focus to public classrooms by prioritizing core academics over what he termed "woke trash."

Allen pointed to his track record as a conservative, highlighting his decision to stop issuing marriage licenses in Pike County following the 2015 Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage and his sponsorship of legislation to ban gender-transition treatments for minors.

Looking Ahead

As the runoff winner prepares for the general election on Nov. 3, they will face Democratic nominee Phillip Ensler, an attorney and executive director of the Jewish Federation of Central Alabama. The victor in November will succeed current Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth.