Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) chairman John Wahl is considering jumping into the 2026 race to be Alabama's next lieutenant governor.
Current Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is term-limited from seeking re-election.
Wahl was re-elected to his second term as Republican National Committee Vice Chairman for the Southern Region in January. He has been active in Republican politics for many years, previously serving as ALGOP's senior vice chairman, a member of Senator Tommy Tuberville's (R-Auburn) transition team, and a delegate to the 2020 Alabama Electoral College. In addition to his political work, he is the chairman of the Alabama Public Library Service board and a professional butterfly farmer. He was re-elected to his third term as ALGOP chairman in March.
Wahl told 1819 News he was "strongly considering" a run for lieutenant governor in 2026.
"There are a lot of people who have approached me to run for the position that are looking for conservative leadership that's really going to stand for the values of the people of Alabama and the Republican platform. I'm very flattered by their faith in me and the fact that they see me as someone who will stand and fight for the people of this state because that is my heart," Wahl told 1819 News on Thursday.
The lieutenant governor presides over the Senate and succeeds the governor if the office becomes vacant. The position also has some appointment authority to various boards and serves on some commissions.
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate are among those who have already announced they're running for the position.
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