Candidates trade accusations in statewide debate ahead of Nov. 3 election

Republican John Wahl and Democrat Phillip Ensler exchanged sharp accusations Wednesday night during a statewide lieutenant governor debate held at WHNT News 19's downtown Huntsville studios and broadcast by Nexstar Media Group. The hourlong event aired ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

News 19 anchor Tamika Alexander hosted the debate, with anchors Greg Screws and Kayla Smith moderating. Questions from the station's political team and viewers covered Alabama's grocery tax, data centers, healthcare, education and public safety.

Residency was the first flash point. Smith asked Wahl about challenges to his Alabama residency, noting he has a second residence and voter registration in Tennessee. Wahl, who lives in Limestone County and chaired the Alabama Republican Party, cited the Alabama Constitution's seven-year residency requirement. "The fact that you may have a second residence does not mean you abandoned your original residence," he said. Ensler, an attorney and former public school teacher who has represented the Montgomery area in the Alabama House since 2022, countered that Wahl had sworn under oath he was a Tennessee resident. "You either committed perjury or voter fraud," Ensler said. Wahl accused Ensler of voting in New York after moving to Alabama. "That is an outright lie," Ensler replied. Neither claim was established during the debate.

A question on gun rights and domestic violence produced another clash. Ensler criticized Wahl for keeping campaign contributions from Christopher Drummond, whom Ensler described as a donor facing domestic violence charges. Wahl said he is friends with both Drummond and his wife and that the contributions predated their separation. "The situation going on with them is a tragedy," Wahl said. Ensler interrupted to say the tragedy belonged to the woman, not the accused man. Wahl said the matter belonged in the legal system. "No one's domestic dispute and no one's domestic problems should be brought into a debate statewide for political gain," he said.

Both candidates backed repealing Alabama's remaining state sales tax on groceries but split on credit and on replacement revenue. Wahl pointed to tax cuts passed under Republican leadership. Ensler said Democrats introduced grocery tax bills for years while Republicans controlled state government. Ensler proposed a state lottery to fund education and rural hospitals. Wahl raised moral concerns about a lottery but said voters should decide, and that any proceeds should go toward tax relief.

On data centers, both cited concerns about utility rates. Wahl said facilities should protect residents from higher electricity costs and heavy water use. "We want the capital investment. We need data centers, but we need to do it the right way," he said. Ensler called for a moratorium on new construction until Alabama adopts a transparent review process. The candidates agreed prison construction costs have climbed too high. "I think you make a great point about that," Ensler said. "The price has gone well beyond what it should be." Wahl asked whether Ensler would eventually back eliminating the income tax; Ensler said he supports cuts for working- and middle-class families but not full elimination. The debate concluded with both candidates urging participation in the Nov. 3 general election.