CAMPAIGN 2026: State Representative Phillip Ensler of Montgomery running for lieutenant governor

Earlier this year, Ensler said he would not run for re-election to the Alabama Legislature, and would return to his native state of New York.

Ensler says his mind has not been at peace ever since making that decision.

The last Democrat to be elected lieutenant governor was Jim Folsom, Jr, in 2006. Ensler says he knows he’s the underdog and has enormous challenges to overcome.

There are currently five Republicans running — Secretary of State Wes Allen, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, pastor Dean Odle, real estate developer Nicole Wadsworth and U.S. Army veteran Patrick Bishop.

Current Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth has served two terms and can’t seek re-election due to term limits.

The primaries are May 19, 2026.