Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth Condemns Political Exclusion in Lieutenant Governor Race

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - September 17, 2025 - Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth, candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama, issued a strongly worded statement this week condemning what she describes as deliberate exclusion from political coverage and polling. Her remarks follow the release of a statewide poll that omitted her name-and that of fellow candidate Patrick Bishop-from its list of contenders, despite both candidates actively campaigning across the state.

Wadsworth, a businesswoman and civic advocate known for her economic development work, has positioned herself as a grassroots candidate focused on transparency, accountability, and restoring trust in Alabama's political institutions. Her latest statement reflects growing frustration with what she calls "insider manipulation" and "media gatekeeping" designed to narrow the field before voters have a chance to weigh in.

"From the moment I entered this race, the political insiders and their pay-to-play blogs have tried to silence me," Wadsworth said. "They've left my name out of articles, ignored my campaign, and now they're pushing 'polls' designed to exclude me from the ballot. This is not journalism - it's corruption."

Polling Controversy Sparks Backlash

The poll in question, released Monday by a Montgomery-based firm, listed only Rick Pate and Wes Allen as candidates for Lieutenant Governor. Both are well-known figures in Alabama politics, with Pate currently serving as Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries and Allen as Secretary of State. The exclusion of Wadsworth and Patrick Bishop, a retired African American Army officer, Cullman Sheriff's Deputy, and community leader, has raised concerns about fairness, transparency, and racial equity in political reporting.

Wadsworth argues that omitting active candidates from public polling misleads voters and undermines the democratic process. She emphasized that with 60% of voters still undecided, the race remains wide open-and that attempts to narrow the field prematurely reflect establishment anxiety, not voter preference.

"Skipping a candidate in a statewide poll is a slap in the face to Alabama voters," she said. "It's dishonest, manipulative, and designed to rig this race before a single vote is cast."

Political analysts note that early polling often shapes media narratives, donor behavior, and public perception. By excluding certain candidates, polls can create a feedback loop that marginalizes outsider voices and reinforces the visibility of establishment figures.

A Message to Voters: "This Race Belongs to You"

Wadsworth's statement also served as a rallying cry to voters across Alabama, urging them to reject insider politics and demand a more inclusive and transparent electoral process. She framed her campaign as a challenge to entrenched interests and emphasized her commitment to representing everyday Alabamians.

"I'm not running to be the insiders' choice - I'm running to be the people's choice," she said. "This election won't be decided in backrooms or by biased blogs. It will be decided by Alabama voters, and I trust them to see through this corruption and demand real leadership."

Her remarks reflect a broader populist sentiment that has gained traction in recent Alabama elections, where outsider candidates have increasingly challenged traditional power structures. Wadsworth's campaign has focused on economic revitalization, education reform, and ethical governance-issues she says resonate with voters who feel left behind by political elites.

Media Ethics and Political Gatekeeping

The controversy has also reignited debates over media ethics and the role of polling in shaping public discourse. Critics argue that excluding candidates from coverage and surveys amounts to editorial bias, especially when those candidates are actively fundraising, speaking at public events, and engaging with constituents.

Wadsworth has called on media outlets to adopt clearer standards for candidate inclusion and to disclose their methodologies and funding sources. She also urged voters to scrutinize political coverage and seek out independent information.

"The insiders don't get to pick our leaders. The people do, and I am ready to fight for them and build a better Alabama - just as I do every single day."

Supporters of Wadsworth and Bishop have echoed these concerns, pointing to a pattern of exclusion that disproportionately affects minority candidates, political newcomers, and those without deep party ties. Bishop, who served in the U.S. military and has campaigned on veterans' issues and community development, has not yet issued a formal response to the poll but has previously criticized media bias in Alabama politics.

What's Next in the Race

With the primary election still months away, Wadsworth's campaign shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to travel across the state, meeting with voters, attending civic events, and building a coalition of supporters who say they're tired of politics as usual.

Her campaign has also gained traction among small business owners in urban and rural areas, Alabamians concerned with infrastructure, congestion, public safety officials, and rural voters who feel underrepresented in Montgomery. Whether the polling controversy will shift media coverage or voter engagement remains to be seen, but Wadsworth's message is clear: she intends to stay in the race and fight for visibility, fairness, and a voice for all Alabamians.

Wadsworth’s campaign is focused on policy-oriented solutions in the areas of industry recruitment and retention, workforce development, statewide infrastructure improvements, rural healthcare, and public safety.

Wadsworth, a businesswoman known for her economic development work and civic involvement, has positioned herself as the private sector candidate focused on building a better Alabama to enhance the quality of life for Alabamians in all 67 counties.

As the Lieutenant Governor race unfolds, Alabama voters will have the opportunity to decide not just who represents them-but how inclusive and transparent their political process will be.