Former State Rep. Gil Isbell (R-Gadsden) filed a residency challenge with the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) on Thursday against former ALGOP chairman John Wahl in his bid to be lieutenant governor.
Isbell told 1819 News he filed the challenge with the ALGOP Steering Committee and questioned whether Wahl had been an Alabama resident for the past seven years.
"There are rules (and) laws in place that govern this, and I like John. I'm sure he probably won't like me after this. Basically, he got a Tennessee driver's license in 2020, and he had to provide a couple of means of identification to do so. He also registered to vote in Tennessee. He has slubbed it off that, 'Well, no, he never moved.' However, if he wasn't a resident of Tennessee in 2020, then basically he was not truthful with the state of Tennessee, and that could be considered fraud," Isbell said. "Or, he just isn't eligible to run for lieutenant governor in Alabama because it has to be seven years that you're a resident, so this will all be reviewed by the steering committee. They'll determine if it's legitimate, and we'll find out how politics plays in this."
Wahl said in a statement to 1819 News, "I've been expecting a challenge and I actually welcome it. My opponent has been spreading a lot of misinformation and lies about my background and I'm glad for the opportunity to be able to set the record straight and share the facts."
"I have been very open about the fact that I had a second residence in Tennessee for a period of time. Before entering this race, I consulted with multiple attorneys and carefully reviewed the Alabama Constitution and state law. Based on that review, I am confident that I meet all eligibility requirements. I would not have run for this office or stepped aside as State Party Chairman if I were not absolutely confident in my eligibility to run," he added. "Many people have more than one residence, and having a second residence does not disqualify you from running for office. The question is whether I had an Alabama residence for the last seven years, and the answer to that question is absolutely yes. I was born in Alabama, raised in Alabama, and have always voted in Alabama. This is my home, and I am proud of that."
Wahl continued, "I am disappointed to see campaigns attempt to disqualify their opponents instead of running their own race. This is a copycat tactic of what they are trying to do to Tommy Tuberville, and the same kind of political weaponization that Donald Trump faced across the country."
"Candidates should be running on their own accomplishments—not trying to keep their opponents off the ballot," Wahl said.
ALGOP rejected a challenge by Isbell of a primary race he lost in 2022 when some voters were given incorrect ballots.
"I'm for doing what's right. This isn't a vendetta. Like I said, I like John. However, I know how it works. I went in front of the steering committee, I think it was four years ago. They made their decisions and it will be up to them to determine one way or the other if he's eligible to run," Isbell said.
Qualified candidates in the GOP primary for lieutenant governor include John Wahl, Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate, Nicole Wadsworth, Dean Odle, Dr. Stewart Tankersley and Pat Bishop.
"I've got two friends in it. It's a difficult call. I served with Wes Allen. I like Rick Pate a lot. Two good men," Isbell said.
The Republican primary election will be held on May 19.
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