Tuesday night, State Rep. Wes Allen (R-Troy) emerged as the victor over State Auditor Jim Zeigler in the GOP primary runoff election for Alabama Secretary of State.

With 99% of the state’s precincts reporting, Allen topped Zeigler by a vote of 65.38% to 34.62%.

The lawmaker began the race as a heavy underdog to Zeigler, as early polling showed the term-limited state auditor leading Allen by 20 points.

The eccentric Zeigler enjoyed a substantial name identification advantage over Allen, a freshman legislator and former Pike County probate judge. However, Allen’s ability to fundraise proved beneficial in the lawmaker securing the GOP nomination.

In a statement provided to Yellowhammer News, Allen expressed gratitude for the support he received from Alabama’s Republican electorate and said that his focus will shift to ensuring victory in the general election.

“I am thankful for the support I have received from across the state tonight,” stated Allen. “I look forward to continuing to meet with voters from across the state as we work toward another victory in November.”

Gracious in defeat, Zeigler endorsed Allen in the general election contest and stated his intentions to carry out his duties as state auditor until his term expires.

“I congratulate Wes Allen on winning the Republican nomination for Secretary of State,” said Zeigler. “He has a Democrat and a Libertarian opponent in November. I endorse Wes Allen in the general election. I thank all the hundreds of Alabama citizens who worked for me in the primaries. We could not have gotten to the runoff without them. I continue to serve as State Auditor until January 2023. I will work daily for the taxpayers.”

Allen will face Democratic Party nominee Pamela Laffitte, as well as Libertarian Party nominee Jason Shelby, in the November 8 general election to determine who will replace term-limited Secretary of State John Merrill.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL