State Rep. Phillip Ensler announced Monday he will not seek a second term in the Alabama House of Representatives, saying he plans to return to his home state of New York following the end of his term in 2026.
“After tremendous consideration, I have decided not to seek reelection to the Alabama State House of Representatives next year,” Ensler (D-Montgomery) wrote. “Words cannot express how grateful I am for all who have supported me and our work. I thank each of you for your belief in a better Alabama for all.”
— Phillip Ensler (@EnslerPhillip) July 14, 2025
Ensler was elected in 2022 to represent House District 74, defeating a Republican incumbent in a redrawn district with 60% of the vote. A first-term Democrat, Ensler said he used his time as a lawmaker to advocate for public education, mental health access, and gun safety reforms.
During his time in office, Ensler repeatedly introduced legislation to ban machine gun conversion devices, also known as Glock switches, which allow semi-automatic weapons to fire like fully automatic ones. Though his own version of the bill did not pass, a similar proposal sponsored by Republican lawmakers became law in 2025 as part of Governor Kay Ivey’s “Safe Alabama” legislative package.
RELATED: State Rep. Ensler ‘optimistic’ Glock switch ban can pass next session
He currently serves on the House committees for Financial Services, Insurance, and Commerce and Small Business. District 74 is a segment of the City of Montgomery, which is largely suburban, and fully within Montgomery County.
Ensler also co-chairs the Alabama Israel Legislative Caucus, which he used as a platform to promote reciprocity between Alabama lawmakers and Jewish Americans and to condemn antisemitic violence in Alabama and across the United States.
Ensler moved to Montgomery in 2012 through Teach for America and taught at Lee High School. He later worked as a civil rights attorney and served as senior policy advisor to the Mayor of Montgomery before running for elected office.
“Throughout my time in these roles, I developed deep and lasting bonds across our community,” Ensler said. “These friendships continue to inspire me, and I look forward to sustaining these lifelong relationships.”
The 2026 legislative session, Ensler’s last, begins on January 13.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
