MONTGOMERY, Ala. – State Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, is preparing to announce a run for lieutenant governor, according to sources with knowledge of his plans.
The first-term lawmaker earlier this year announced he would not seek reelection to the Alabama House, opening up one of the few competitive districts left in the state. His entrance into the race comes on the heels of former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announcing his campaign for governor.
Jones and other top Democrats have been encouraging Ensler to get in the race. Jones said Ensler’s record of bi-partisan accomplishments in the Legislature and young age make him an appealing candidate who could bolster the Democratic ticket in 2026.
“Phil is a dedicated legislator and he’s also been effective,” Jones told Alabama Daily News. “I think he brings a lot to the party, a lot to the ticket and ultimately will make a great lieutenant governor.
“I’m really, really excited that Phil is staying in Alabama and I’m excited about the opportunity to run along side him.”
Ensler stopped short of confirming his candidacy Wednesday evening, but said his plans to move back to New York had changed.
“While I announced plans to return to my native New York at the end of my legislative term in 2026 to be closer to family, my mind has not been at peace since I made that announcement,” Ensler told ADN. “My heart is here in Alabama and with the people who have become my extended family. So I look forward to sharing more soon about how I will continue to try and serve our great state.”
Jones pointed to Ensler’s work across the aisle, including on the “Glock switch” ban he sponsored and partnered with Republicans to pass this past session. Appealing to independents and some Republicans will be important for the democratic ticket in 2026, just as it was for his special election race against Roy Moore in 2017, Jones said.
“I think there are more and more people who want candidates like Phil and like myself who are willing to listen and work across the aisle to get results and move the ball down the field. Folks are tired of the chaos, tired of the name-calling. We need to sit down as leaders and find common ground. Phil is that kind of man, he’s that kind of public servant.”
House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels has also been encouraging Ensler to run.
“Having served alongside Representative Phillip Ensler in the Alabama Legislature, I have witnessed firsthand his deep understanding of the legislative process and his ability to use that knowledge to deliver meaningful results,” Daniels said. “His proven effectiveness in navigating the legislative process is exactly the kind of leadership required of a successful Lieutenant Governor. Just as important, Rep. Ensler has demonstrated a willingness to listen to differing perspectives and work collaboratively to achieve practical, common-sense solutions that benefit all Alabamians.”
No democrats have raised the $1,000 necessary to be listed as a candidate on the Secretary of State’s website. On the Republican side, Secretary of State Wes Allen, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate and economic developer Nicole Wadsworth are running for the nomination. Former University of Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron dropped out of the race this week.
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