Pike County Judge Wes Allen enters race for state House seat

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Wes Allen

Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen announced Tuesday he will seek the Republican nomination for the District 89 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives, which covers Pike County and parts of Dale County. The seat is currently held by Troy-Republican Rep. Alan Boothe who announced he will not seek reelection.

Allen, who has served as Pike County’s Probate Judge since a 2009 appointment from then-Gov. Bob Riley, is viewed as one of the most conservative Probate Judges in the Yellowhammer State.

Wes Allen campaign sign
[Photo courtesy of Allen’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/electwesallen]

In his announcement, he explained his goals as a member of the state House would be similar to those he held as Probate Judge, promising to keep true to his conservative principles, to promote accountability within government and to remain accessible to his constituents.

“My philosophy is that government should create an environment in which businesses and entrepreneurs can be successful – an environment where hard work is rewarded and where the American Dream can flourish without undue and unnecessary burdens being imposed by any government agency,” Allen said. “Elected officials should be working diligently to find innovative solutions that foster and promote private sector job growth. That is the philosophy we have lived by here in the courthouse.”

Allen received national attention in 2015 for his stand and defense of traditional marriage, when he discontinued granting marriage licenses for both straight and same-sex couples altogether following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

He says that he wants the people of Pike County to view his time as a Probate Judge as one of “transparency, accountability and fairness” and “as someone who never backed down, even in the face of tough opposition.”

Judge Allen and his wife, Cae, have two children, Davis and DeeAna. They attend the First Baptist Church of Troy, where he currently serves as Deacon Chairman.

Allen’s announcement follows Troy City Councilman Marcus Paramore‘s Monday announcement he will also seek the seat. The Republican primary election will be held on June 5, 2018.

Watch the full video of Allen’s announcement press conference below: