Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen says his bid for Lieutenant Governor is rooted in what he describes as a commitment to conservative leadership, economic growth and long-term investment in the state’s future.
In an interview with 256 Today during a recent stop in Huntsville, Allen said his decision to enter the race was driven by both personal and political motivations.
“Well, I’m running for Lieutenant Governor because I love Alabama,” Allen said. “I care about Alabama. It’s where I was born and reared. I want my children and my grandchildren to prosper here.”
He framed his campaign around his record in public office, pointing to his time as a probate judge, state legislator and Secretary of State.
“There’s no other person in this race with the conservative record that I’ve been able to accomplish,” Allen said. “This is about conservative record versus rhetoric, conservative record versus rhetoric.”
Allen said his goal as Lieutenant Governor would be to help strengthen Alabama’s economy while protecting what he called the state’s core values.
“This is about being able to get into that office and push for things that will make Alabama more prosperous,” he said. “But also at the same time, protect Alabama, protect our culture, protect our values.”
He also emphasized building relationships across the state with local officials.
“To work across the entire state and build on those relationships I’ve been able to have with local mayors and county commissioners and probate judges and chairs and legislators,” Allen said, “and be a positive influence for the state of Alabama.”
Allen said early campaign conversations with voters have been encouraging, and he pointed to endorsements from industry and agricultural groups as a sign of support.
“If you look at the endorsements that we have been able to garner from farmers to the Alabama Forestry Association to Alabama trucking, manufacturing, the Business Council and on and on,” he said, “I think that shows the strength of our campaign and shows leadership ability.”
When asked about the biggest challenges facing Alabama over the next four years, Allen pointed to workforce development, infrastructure and public safety.
“Continuing workforce development, making sure we have a trained workforce that is prepared to get out and get a job,” he said. “We must be able to build big, heavy things in this country. It is a national security issue.”
He also stressed the importance of maintaining infrastructure and supporting law enforcement.
“Critical infrastructure like roads and bridges need to be taken care of,” Allen said. “Those things that government is responsible for, we’ve got to make sure we do it well.”
Allen is one of several Republicans seeking the nomination for lieutenant governor, including Patrick Bishop, George Childress, Nicole Jones Wadsworth, Rick Pate, Stewart Tankersley and John Wahl.
On the Democratic side, Phillip Ensler and Darryl D. Perryman are also in the race.
The primary will be held May 19, with the general election set for Nov. 3.
