Alabama Democrats Push to Redefine the Lieutenant Governor's Role

Alabama's Democratic ticket is proposing a major shakeup of state government, aiming to transform the largely ceremonial lieutenant governor position into a true executive partner. Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, the party's nominee for governor, announced Wednesday that he plans to work with the Legislature on a constitutional amendment to reorganize the state government, a move that echoes reform efforts from over two decades ago.

Jones argues the current setup leaves the lieutenant governor as little more than a figurehead.

“It's almost like the lieutenant governor is a figurehead in the Legislature that just sits with a gavel,” Jones said. “The lieutenant governor, in my view, always should be a part of the executive branch, a partner with the governor to help implement the administration's policies.”

What changes are being proposed for the lieutenant governor's office?

The proposal centers on two key changes. First, Jones wants the governor and lieutenant governor to run on a joint ticket, similar to the president and vice president. According to the National Lieutenant Governor's Association, 27 states already use this model. Currently, Alabama elects the two offices separately.

Second, Jones wants to give the lieutenant governor a meaningful role in the executive branch, even if that requires a constitutional workaround. He specifically mentioned wanting his running mate, Rep. Phillip Ensler of Montgomery, to have a seat at the cabinet table.

“I want him to have a seat at the table, whether as officially as a member of the government's cabinet or at least as a member of the government's cabinet in an advisory role,” Jones said of Ensler on Wednesday. “We're going to talk during a transition about what portfolio he might want to work on.”

Ensler, who touted his bipartisan record in the Legislature, said the change would let him better serve the state.

“There is so much that I can do because of the relationships I have, as Doug said, across the aisle, and to be able to help carry out a vision, help fight for the people of Alabama,” Ensler said.

Is this proposal legal under Alabama's Constitution?

There's a catch. Section 280 of Alabama's Constitution prohibits an individual from financially benefiting from two public offices. That means Ensler could not simultaneously serve as lieutenant governor and hold a paid cabinet position.

Jones said the arrangement would respect that limit.

“When you elect Doug Jones and Phil Ensler, you're electing a team to help implement the same strategies, the same efficiencies in government, the same programs that we're talking about on the campaign trail,” Jones said. “So he'll have a seat at the table, and more importantly, a voice at the table. It will not be double dipping, so to speak, at all.”

Why has the lieutenant governor's power been shrinking?

The office hasn't always been this weak. Historically, the lieutenant governor held powers comparable to the Speaker of the House, including control over legislation and the ability to assign senators to committees.

That changed in 1999 after a lengthy standoff between then-Lt. Gov. Steve Windom, a Republican, and the Democratic-controlled Senate. The Senate stripped most of Windom's powers and transferred them to the Senate President Pro Tem.

The role was further diminished this spring through Senate Resolution 108, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur. The resolution allows the Senate President Pro Tem to preside if the lieutenant governor hasn't taken their seat five minutes after a meeting time. It also removes the lieutenant governor from the committee that assigns committee chairs, strips their power to appoint members to conference committees, and gives the Pro Tem authority to recommit bills and direct the lieutenant governor on legislation.

Republicans have held the office since 2010.

Is this the first attempt to reform the office?

No. State lawmakers filed similar legislation more than 20 years ago, but none ever received a floor vote in its house of origin. Sen. Bobby Denton, D-Tuscumbia, filed a proposal in 1999; Rep. Mary Sue McClurkin, R-Pelham, filed one in 2004; and then-Rep. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, filed proposals in 2005 and 2006.

Jones and Ensler say they plan to work with legislators in both chambers this time. Jones said he had “cleared it” with Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton of Greensboro and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels of Huntsville. Daniels confirmed his support in a phone interview Wednesday afternoon.

“The lieutenant governor is someone that's elected statewide, so their duties should exceed just presiding over the Senate,” Daniels said. “I do think that they can be extremely valuable in the government.”

What are the chances of this amendment passing?

The path is steep. A constitutional amendment needs two-thirds support in each chamber and a simple majority on the ballot. Republicans hold a supermajority in both chambers, and there aren't enough contested races in November to change that.

Still, Daniels sees room for bipartisan interest. “I think that it's something that has probably been thought about by both sides, but never been acted upon,” he said. “Someone has to start the conversation.”

Jones hopes to get the amendment through the Legislature in time for the 2028 election to be considered by voters. Messages seeking comment were left with Tommy Tuberville and John Wahl, the Republican nominees for governor and lieutenant governor.

Why does this matter for Alabama voters?

This proposal is about more than political process. It's about whether the person Alabamians elect as lieutenant governor should have a real voice in shaping policy or remain a largely symbolic role. For voters who care about accountable government and effective administration, this debate touches on fundamental questions about how power is distributed in Montgomery.

The outcome could reshape the balance of power in Alabama's executive branch for generations, making this a conversation worth following closely.