Phillip Ensler Launches Campaign for Alabama Lieutenant Governor

December 18, 2025 - MONTGOMERY - State Rep. Phillip Ensler of Montgomery announced his candidacy for Alabama Lieutenant Governor. Ensler, a Democrat who flipped a Republican-held seat in 2022 due to redistricting that was favorable to Democrats, is attempting ot position himself as a candidate who blends grassroots advocacy with legislative experience. His entry into the race ensures that Democrats should have a visible presence in one of the most closely watched contests of the cycle and appears to be part of an effort by Democrats to present a credible slate of candidates in November.

Ensler's story is rooted in service. After moving to Alabama in 2012, he joined Teach for America and taught social studies at Lee High School in Montgomery. His classroom experience gave him firsthand insight into the challenges facing Alabama's education system. Later, he worked as a civil rights attorney and served as Senior Policy Advisor for the City of Montgomery, roles that deepened his engagement with issues of justice, equity, and community development. These experiences shaped his legislative priorities when he won election to the Alabama House of Representatives.

In announcing his campaign, Ensler emphasized themes of prosperity, inclusivity, and public service. "Alabama deserves leadership that listens to all communities, rural and urban, and works to ensure opportunity for every family," he said. His campaign is expected to highlight his record of breaking barriers-he was the first Democrat in years to win his Montgomery district (albeit after it was heavily reshaped by the Legislature through gerrymandering that made it more favorable for Democrats)-and his ability to connect across divides. Supporters argue that his candidacy represents a generational shift, bringing fresh energy to a statewide office that often serves as a launching pad for higher ambitions.

The lieutenant governor's role in Alabama is more than ceremonial. The office presides over the state Senate, influences legislative priorities, and often serves as a key voice in shaping public policy. With current Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth (R) term-limited, the race is wide open, and several Republicans have already declared their candidacies. Ensler's entry ensures a competitive contest, though Democrats face steep odds in a state where Republicans hold every statewide office and dominate the legislature. Democrats hope that Ensler's campaign will energize Democratic voters and test whether Alabama's political landscape is shifting in subtle ways.

Ensler's candidacy also reflects broader trends in Alabama politics. In recent years, Democrats have struggled to gain traction statewide and have largely been relegated to pockets of success in urban centers like Birmingham and Montgomery. His campaign for lieutenant governor will likely seek to emphasize issues such as affordable health care, education funding, and economic development that resonate across party lines.

Critics, however, point to the uphill climb. Republicans remain firmly entrenched. No Democrat has won the Lieutenant Governor's race since former Governor Jim Folsom Jr. back in 2006. No Democrat has been elected Governor in Alabama since Don Seigelman in 1998 and recent races have not been particularly close. The Republican primary increasingly decides elections in Alabama statewide. Ensler will need to raise significant funds and build name recognition beyond the Montgomery area. His decision to run statewide also comes after he previously suggested he might not seek re-election and would return to New York after his one term in the Alabama House. Opponents may seize on that narrative to question his long-term commitment to Alabama politics. Ensler's campaign will need to counter those critiques by underscoring his decade of service in the state and his deep ties to local communities.

For Alabama voters, the race offers a chance to debate the future direction of the state. Will the lieutenant governor's office continue to serve as a bastion of Republican leadership, or will Ensler's candidacy signal a new era of competitive politics? The answer will depend on turnout, coalition-building, and the ability of candidates to connect with everyday concerns-from the price of groceries to the quality of schools.

As the campaign unfolds, Ensler's challenge will be to translate his legislative record and community advocacy into a statewide message that resonates in both rural counties and urban centers. Whether or not he prevails, Ensler's run ensures that the 2026 lieutenant governor's race will be more than a formality-it will be a contest of ideas, vision, and the future of Alabama politics.

(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.)