Trans-identified male Allison Montgomery defeats GOP rep to become becomes first transgender lawmaker in Alabama

Allison “Ally” Montgomery is a trans identified male software engineer and “experienced grassroots volunteer political organizer,” per the candidate’s campaign website, as well as a “a proud Eagle Scout, and a practicing Christian.” Per journalist Andy Ngo, Montgomery’s original name was William Tyler Montgomery.

The campaign website stated, “I'm running because I've been there. I've been in the halls of the State House, doing the work to advocate for my community against large, well-funded special interest groups. For four years, I've analyzed legislation, rallied people around this grassroots effort, and worked with legislators who are unlike me in order to block harmful, senseless ‘culture war’ bills. I know what it's like to face an uphill battle, and I have the courage to advocate for policy that will help Alabama’s people, even when I know there will be opposition to it.”

In an election night statement, Montgomery said, “I know the headlines tomorrow are gonna be provocative and catchy, but let's focus on the most important part of this victory: we showed that a truly grassroots campaign that stands on its policies and its principles has a real shot in Alabama.” The statement later added, “I'm going to work especially hard for those who hate me, because they deserve a better Alabama as much as anyone. And if you don't believe me– just watch.”

Montgomery received endorsements from left-wing groups For the Future Victory Fund, Alabama AFL-CIO, Her Bold Move, and Persist Alabama. Persist Alabama states that it is dedicated to “supporting high-quality, values-driven, progressive candidates at all levels of government in Alabama,” while Her Bold Move is dedicated to supporting “women running for political office in the United States,” with a focus on abortions.

Montgomery had opposed legislation in the state that created legal definitions of man and woman in the state. He said in 2024, “For a number of reasons, HB 111 and SB 92, the ‘What is a Woman Act’ does not make sense to implement because it defines the social categories of gender as reproductive systems. Even if people transition, they are forever legally classified as whatever they were assigned at birth.” Montgomery was identified by the Alabama Reflector as being a member of the Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition.

Later that same year, Montgomery organized a rally supporting transgender people. He told local news, “It’s critically important for people to know that we are here. Trans Alabamians do exist. Some people think there aren’t any trans people in Alabama or that we are foreign somehow. But, I’m from here, y’all.” He later added, “As trans people, we can have difficulty finding community, and so gathering in person is really helpful finding other people with shared experiences.”