State Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) is giving up his House seat for a shot at the lieutenant governor's office, but he knows running as a Democrat in the blood-red Republican state of Alabama won't be easy.
Ensler secured his party nomination on last Tuesday's primary election. His Republican counterparts, former Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl and Secretary of State Wes Allen, are headed for a June 16 runoff to determine the GOP nominee.
Ensler won by a hefty margin on Tuesday, securing 196,586 votes (57.6%) over his primary opponent, Darryl D. Perryman, who secured only 144,512 votes (42%).
Ensler also received more votes than Wahl or Allen individually, with the former claiming roughly 192,000 votes, and the latter earning just over 180,000.
The split in votes between Wahl and Allen means that a party loyalist will likely vote for the eventual Republican nominee who emerges from the June runoff, making the Republican candidate a virtual shoo-in for the office.
After the election, Ensler acknowledged the uphill battle ahead of him in a heavily Republican-leaning state like Alabama. However, he stated that he believes the issues are pressing enough to sway voters in Alabama.
"Over the last five months, I've traveled all over the state of Alabama, and I will keep working tirelessly to win in November," Ensler said. "It will be an uphill battle, but I know Alabamians are ready for change. We are tired of ranking among the worst in education, healthcare, and gun violence, all while being unable to afford basic necessities."
"Everywhere I go, I hear from residents who want reasonable, serious leaders. Alabamians are sick of politicians and powerful interest groups who would rather keep us divided than offer solutions that improve people's lives."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
