The Alabama Republican Party elected State Rep. Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) as chairman Saturday following a three-way race that went to a runoff at the party’s 2026 Winter Meeting in Hoover.

Stadthagen, former House Majority Leader John Merrill, and Joan Reynolds competed for the position, which opened following John Wahl’s recent resignation to run for Lt. Governor. Stadthagen led the first round with 45% of the vote to Merrill’s 29% and Reynolds’ 25%, then won the runoff 62% to 38%.

Stadthagen has represented House District 9 since 2018 and has previously served as House Majority Leader since 2022. A residential builder and developer, he founded Hagen Homes Inc. in 2005 and has been active in civic life in Hartselle, including leadership roles with the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Group of Hartselle.

The weekend opened Friday evening with a sold-out candidate reception headlined by U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, who discussed Washington developments and the Republican agenda.

During Saturday’s business session, the executive committee also adopted three resolutions. One calls on Alabama municipalities and counties to prohibit government-owned facilities from hosting sexually explicit performances or distributing sexually explicit materials to minors.

A second urges the Alabama Legislature to establish a closed primary system limiting Republican primary participation to registered Republicans.

A third urges state and local governments to reconsider tax incentives and non-disclosure agreements for data centers, expand public input in project approvals, and promote sustainable practices.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].