Building a Better Alabama: An Interview with GOP Lieutenant Governor Candidate Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth ​

Staff Writer February 07, 2028

Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth

​In a recent episode of the BCS. State of Alabama podcast, Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth, a candidate for Alabama Lieutenant Governor, shared her vision for the state's future. Emphasizing her background in the private sector rather than a career in politics, Wadsworth outlined a proactive "Build a Better Alabama" platform focused on economic growth and quality of life.

​A Vision for a Proactive Lieutenant Governor

​Wadsworth addressed the often-misunderstood role of the Lieutenant Governor. While the position’s formal powers were reduced in the late 1990s, she intends to use the office as a significant platform for advocacy. Her "Build a Better Alabama" platform highlights five key areas:

• ​Industry Recruitment and Retention

• ​Workforce Development

• ​Statewide Infrastructure Improvements

• ​Rural Healthcare

• ​Public Safety

  
  

​Economic Empowerment and Workforce Participation

​Central to her campaign is the belief that employment is the ultimate solution to many of Alabama’s social challenges. Wadsworth advocated for a clear "pathway to employment" for all Alabamians, from high school students to veterans. She highlighted the success of distance learning centers in rural areas, like Winston County, which provide free GED classes and community college pathways to help break the cycle of generational poverty.

​Regarding the Black Belt, Wadsworth emphasized the importance of utilizing existing infrastructure, such as interstate exits, for industrial recruitment and promoting local tourism and small businesses.

​Addressing Infrastructure and Health Care

​Wadsworth acknowledged the growing pains of North Alabama’s rapid development, stressing the need for long-term infrastructure planning. She voiced support for prioritizing the widening of I-65 to ensure reliable transportation for both citizens and industry.

​On rural health care, she proposed leveraging federal grants—specifically Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHCs)—to incentivize physicians to practice in rural areas. She linked health directly to economic success, stating that healthy Alabamians are working Alabamians.

​Law, Order, and Social Policy

​Wadsworth expressed strong support for law and order, specifically regarding public safety and the enforcement of federal laws. She also discussed the prison system, suggesting that while violent offenders must serve their time, more focus should be placed on preventing recidivism through education and employment mentorship.

​When asked about recent legislative trends, Wadsworth supported the right of naturalized citizens to vote and hold office, noting that they "did it the right way". She also expressed support for stricter nutritional requirements for SNAP benefits to combat rising obesity and long-term healthcare costs.

​The Role of Technology and Education

​While acknowledging the utility of AI, Wadsworth warned against over-reliance on technology in education. She advocated for a return to "basic reading, writing, and arithmetic," noting that the human mind retains more information from printed materials than from screens.

​Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth concluded the interview by urging Alabamians to move past "political games" and focus on practical solutions that benefit the common man.

​Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth discusses her GOP candidacy for Alabama Lieutenant Governor on the BCS. podcast, focusing on workforce development, rural healthcare, and her "Build a Better Alabama" platform.