A Republican real estate agent in Alabama made a shocking demand to the media following an announcement that she’s running for a top government position.
Nicole Wadsworth, a commercial real estate developer from Huntsville, recently put her name in the running for Alabama Lt. Governor for the 2026 Republican primary election.
On Tuesday, Wadsworth, the wife of District 14 State Rep. Tim Wadsworth, made her presence clear to the media as her campaign team sent an unusual email to several outlets.
Hunter Weathers, her campaign manager, sent a note seemingly telling the press how they should report on the campaign when it came to his boss – explicitly requesting that she be referred to only as ‘Dr. Nicole Wadsworth’ in all related content, including headlines, captions and in articles.
Weathers took a moment to ‘address a matter of professional accuracy and respect,’ writing: ‘Dr. Nicole Wadsworth has earned her academic and professional titles and should be addressed accordingly in all future correspondence and press materials.
‘Dr. Wadsworth is not only the most qualified candidate in the race – she is a nationally recognized economic developer, economist, and commercial real estate developer, with four degree, two certifications, and decades of leadership in Alabama’s private sector,’ he added, according to the letter, reviewed by 1819 News.
‘As the only candidate in this race with boots-on-the-ground economic development experience paired with academic and private-sector credentials, it is important that her contributions be reflected with accuracy and professionalism.’
He then pointed to her website and biography, adding that her doctoral title is highlighted in both.
Wadsworth told DailyMail.com the email was not supposed to be sent to every media organization in the area, and instead only to a ‘select few organizations in Alabama.’
Nicole Wadsworth, a commercial real estate developer from Huntsville, Alabama, has demanded that all media outlets in the state refer to her only as ‘Dr. Nicole Wadsworth’
Her campaign manager sent the shocking letter to news outlets Tuesday to ‘address a matter of professional accuracy and respect.’ (Pictured: Wadsworth and Donald Trump Jr.)
‘An email sent on Tuesday evening by a member of my campaign staff was intended for a select few organizations in Alabama. It was inadvertently sent to our entire media list instead of a select few that we request give the campaign the equal treatment that we deserve as a candidate in this race,’ she said.
‘We have been incredibly blessed by the growing support around our state and the coverage we have earned from the media outlets who have been respectful and ethical throughout the campaign.
‘We deeply appreciate everyone who understands that it is tough as a woman entering politics to get some to recognize your achievements and the value you provide to the people of Alabama,’ Wadsworth added.
On her campaign page and her personal site, Wadsworth is referenced several times as ‘Dr. Nicole Wadsworth’, ‘Dr. Nicole,’ ‘Dr. Nicole J. Wadsworth and ‘Dr. Wadsworth, but in some places she is only called ‘Nicole Wadsworth’ or ‘Nicole,’ including in the URL.
It is unclear what article or stories sparked the request, but according to the Associated Press’ stylebook – the standard for journalistic writing style – the ‘Dr.’ prefix should only be used for medical doctors.
Online users and Alabama locals were quick to weigh in on what they think about Wadsworth’s new demand, as many were not pleased with her.
‘Oh, she does not get my vote. No walking this back, I’ll write myself in first,’ one wrote.
‘So, we’re not voting for Karen. Got it,’ said another.
‘A leader is humble. She is a no for my vote,’ a user commented.
It is unclear what article or stories sparked the request (pictured), but according to the Associated Press’ stylebook – the standard for writing style in journalism – the ‘Dr.’ prefix should only be used for medical doctors
Wadsworth has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Alabama, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama at Huntsville, and a master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology’s Huntsville campus, her campaign manager told AL.com.
The Republican candidate also has two certifications – one in zoning and planning from the University of North Alabama and another in economic development leadership certification from Auburn University, he noted.
In response to why the demand was made in the first place, Weathers told the outlet: ‘The purpose of the request was to highlight her credentials and her academic experience and education.
‘We just want the press to address her correctly with the appropriate titles with her experience in the private sector and her education – with a title like economic developer, economist, commercial real estate developer – something like that,’ he said. ‘And that was the purpose of the email. It wasn’t necessarily to address her by Dr.’
According to the letter, Wadsworth has traveled to ‘all 67 Alabama counties more than 25 times’ and had done so ‘on her own dime.’
She has also ‘played a leading role’ in multiple initiatives, including small business growth, economic development, rural healthcare advocacy and community revitalization, it detailed.
While announcing her run for the government position, Wadsworth told WSFA: ‘We’re trying to figure out what is the best job where I can utilize my skills in economic policy to best serve the people of Alabama, and Lt. Governor, that’s that fit.’
She is running against four other Republican candidates, Wes Allen, George Childress, Dead Odle and Rick Pate.
The winner of the election, which is set to be held November 3, 2026, will replace current Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth.
About two weeks ago, Ainsworth, who has served in the role since 2019, announced he would not be running for the next election.
In a social media post, he announced his future plans, writing: ‘Kendall [his wife] and I have decided that focusing on our children during their last years in high school and transitioning to the private sector makes the most sense for all of us at this time in our lives.’
Due to term limits, he is not allowed to seek a third term.
‘I will be on the campaign trail working alongside President Trump to help elect a strong, conservative governor and other Republican elected officials who will keep Alabama moving in the right direction,’ Ainsworth continued.
DailyMail.com contacted Wadsworth’s office for comment.
