Upcoming Alabama Lieutenant Governor Race
As highlighted recently, the race for Lieutenant Governor in Alabama is shaping up to be quite competitive. Both candidates are well-known figures in state politics, aiming to secure a secondary constitutional office.
Secretary of State Wes Allen and Secretary of Agriculture Rick Pate are the primary contenders. It’s challenging to pick a clear favorite at this point.
One pivotal element will be their ability to fundraise effectively. In politics, money is crucial—it’s often what can set candidates apart. However, many in the political arena understand that, at this early stage, name recognition is quite low, perhaps around 20%. Name ID plays a significant role in down-ballot races, and fundraising is key to boosting it.
An edge for Allen is that he appears first on the ballot, as candidates are listed alphabetically, which can be a significant advantage. Meanwhile, Pate benefits from his current role as Agriculture Commissioner, a position that many voters in Alabama view favorably. Voters may feel like they’re casting a ballot for him again, even going so far as to think of him potentially serving a third term. The support from the Alabama Farmers’ Federation could also prove vital for his campaign.
Wes Allen has a distinct background in Alabama politics. He grew up in Tuscaloosa, spending his initial 23 years there, graduated high school locally, then attended the University of Alabama. His family connections are strong—his father, Gerald Allen, is a well-regarded politician who served Tuscaloosa for 40 years.
In his early twenties, Wes moved to Troy, where he became the Pike County Probate Judge, a position he excelled in. His popularity led him to a House seat for four years, before being elected as Secretary of State.
I believe Wes’s local ties will be a significant factor in the upcoming race. For over two decades, I’ve observed a “friends and neighbors” tendency in Alabama politics, suggesting that voters often lean toward candidates from their own areas. Wes has ties to two regions: he’s expected to draw support from both Tuscaloosa County and the Wiregrass area. His presence at local events has certainly strengthened his connection to these communities.
The concept of “friends and neighbors” politics is well-documented; Vo Key’s book on Southern Politics, written over 80 years ago, illustrates its impact in Alabama, especially during the 1946 gubernatorial race. “Big Jim” Folsom, who had roots in both Elba and Geneva, secured a massive victory by tapping into his local popularity, which is a compelling testament to this tradition.
Interestingly, one of his landmarks was a road around Dothan, which he named after his uncle.
Until next time.
