Tuesday, State Auditor Jim Zeigler and State Rep. Wes Allen (R-Troy) both advanced to the Republican primary runoff for Alabama Secretary of State.

Zeigler had 235,472 votes or 43% of the vote. Wes Allen had 218,804 votes or 40% of the vote. Christian Horn had 54,029 votes or 10%. Ed Packard finished fourth with 43,199 votes or 8%.

“My theme is to be a Watchman for election integrity,” Zeigler said. “I thank the voters and my supporters for enabling me to win a plurality in the Secretary of State race.  Now, we must re-double our efforts for the runoff.”

Zeigler spoke Wednesday in Mobile.

Zeigler served as State Auditor for two terms. He previously served on the Alabama Public Service Commission. He is an elder care attorney and is a graduate of the University of Alabama.

“I am looking forward to earning your vote in the runoff on June 21 to be Alabama’s next Secretary of State,” Allen said.

Allen was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2018. Before that, he served as the probate judge of Pike County. Allen is also a graduate of the University of Alabama.

Election integrity has been a much-discussed issue in the GOP’s campaign for Secretary of State. The Secretary of State’s office oversees elections as well as corporate filings.

The Republican primary winner will face Democratic nominee Pamela LaFitte of Mobile in the November general election.

This is an open seat for Secretary of State as incumbent John H Merrill (R) is term-limited and not running for any political office this year.

Those who voted in the Democratic primary are ineligible to participate in the Republican primary runoff and vice versa.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.

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