Lieutenant Governor Race Heats Up in Election Year

This year’s election is particularly exciting, especially the race for lieutenant governor. In the past, this position held significant power. Between the 1950s and the 1990s, the lieutenant governor controlled the state Senate for almost 50 years.

The state’s Constitution allows the Capitol and the state Senate to organize their own operations. However, this power was relinquished to the lieutenant governor when Jim Allen, a notable figure in Alabama’s legislative history, took on the role.

Jim Allen, renowned as a senator from Gadsden, brought a softer touch to the office. He knew how to navigate small favors and was a key ally of Governor Wallace. While they collaborated, Allen essentially became “king of the Senate,” gaining authority to appoint committee chairs, manage operations, and set calendars. He would consult with Wallace regarding the Rules Committee, aligning with the governor’s agenda.

As Wallace took office, the lieutenant governor’s influence grew, especially with a seasoned governor at the helm. They operated independently and maintained control over the Senate’s agenda and committee assignments. This shift highlighted legislation as a priority for special interest groups, with campaign funding for the governor’s race often paralleling that of lieutenant governor races. Many past lieutenant governors, despite their lack of council skills, leaned on experienced aides like McDowell Lee, who was a master of the Senate’s complex rules.

In 1999, state senators reclaimed some of their power from the lieutenant governor. Steve Windom, then a Republican lieutenant governor, found himself at odds with Democrat Governor Don Siegelman and a Democratic-controlled Senate. The Senate restored authority to elect its own president Pro Tem, easing leadership burdens. Garlan Gugger is currently holding that position and will remain after this election cycle. Nathaniel Ledbetter, the influential speaker of the house from Dekalb County, along with Gugger, is poised to become a pivotal figure in the next legislative period. The anticipated new governor, Tommy Tuberville, has connections with Ledbetter, hinting at a smooth relationship between the executive and legislative branches.

The upcoming 2026 race for lieutenant governor appears to center around two prominent candidates: Secretary of State Wes Allen and agricultural committee member Rick Putty.

Wes Allen is a well-established Republican with a strong political background. Having served nearly a decade as a probate judge in Pike County, he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives and then swiftly won the Secretary of State position in 2022. He aims to ascend to the lieutenant governor’s office in 2026. Allen is known for his devout religious faith and commitment to family.

Rick Putty, in contrast, is a popular, second-term member of the agricultural committee. He has excelled in his role for eight years and is a lifelong resident of Lowndes County, neighboring Montgomery. Before his current position, he served as the mayor of Lowndesboro and successfully ran an agriculture-focused business. His accessibility and rapport with constituents have gained him considerable support.

Interestingly, there are three other candidates in the race: Nicole Jones Wadsworth, Patrick Bishop, and Dean Odol. Odol has previously campaigned statewide, while Wadsworth is making efforts that could potentially surprise many. As the competition between Putty and Allen tightens, these three candidates might just swing enough votes to change the outcome.

Stay tuned for more updates next week.