Last week’s municipal elections in Alabama underscored an important truth about our state’s political culture: when given a choice between liberal and conservative values — even without political party labels — voters overwhelmingly choose conservatism.
This trend was evident not only in traditionally Republican areas but also in blue and purple communities across the state.
In cities large and small, Alabama voters rejected the radical policies and rhetoric that define today’s Democratic Party.
These results provide yet another example of how the far left’s agenda — from defunding the police and promoting open borders to attacking traditional family values — is deeply out of touch with mainstream voters.
Municipal elections in Alabama are technically nonpartisan, but that doesn’t mean voters can’t tell the difference between a conservative and a liberal.
The contrast in ideas and values is obvious — and Alabama voters sent a very clear message last Tuesday.
Nowhere was this more evident than in Mobile. Democratic State Representative Barbara Drummond drew enthusiastic support from the national Democratic Party and progressive media. Former Vice President Kamala Harris labeled her a “rising star” on MSNBC, and high-profile Democrats lined up behind her.
U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Raphael Warnock, along with Doug Jones, Pete Buttigieg, and others, all endorsed Drummond. Her campaign attracted national attention, substantial outside funding, and the full weight of Washington’s progressive machine.
Yet when the votes were counted, the people of Mobile chose Spiro Cheriogotis — a candidate who focused on local issues like public safety, infrastructure, and job creation. Voters sent a message: they didn’t buy into Washington politics or left-wing talking points.
The same story unfolded in Hoover. Liz Lane, a self-proclaimed progressive, praised left-wing icons like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett while mocking conservative voters as “uneducated.” In public interviews, she expressed anger at school choice and dismissed traditional religious values.
But her liberal message didn’t resonate with Hoover voters. Her opponent, Ashley Lovell, ran on a conservative platform of accountability, transparency, and service to the public. The results weren’t even close — Lovell won by a landslide, 73% to 27%.
Even in smaller cities like Guntersville, the same pattern emerged. Jeff McLaughlin, a former Democratic legislator, tried to downplay his partisan past — even joking that he was running with a “G” for Guntersville instead of an R or D.
But his record told a different story. After the August general election ended in a tie, voters learned about McLaughlin’s donations to Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Doug Jones. By the time of the September runoff, the contrast between the two candidates was clear. Voters chose Republican Mayor Leigh Dollar with a decisive 58% to 42% victory.
These three races are examples of countless others that reveal a growing truth extending far beyond Alabama. The Democratic Party has drifted so far left that it no longer represents the values of working families, small business owners, or everyday Americans.
National Democrats are obsessed with identity politics, big government programs, and cultural radicalism. Meanwhile, voters — even those who may not identify as Republican — are choosing conservative candidates who share their priorities: protecting children, supporting law enforcement, defending faith and family, and promoting economic opportunity.
Polls consistently show that issues like parental rights, school choice, fiscal responsibility, tax relief, and border security unite voters across party lines. These are not “Republican” issues; they are mainstream American issues.
Yet the Democratic Party continues to push policies that alienate moderates and drive voters away — from advocating for biological men in women’s sports to labeling parents as extremists for speaking up at school board meetings.
The recent municipal elections prove that when the party labels are stripped away, conservative ideas win. Alabamians — and Americans more broadly — are not looking for ideological activism from their local leaders. They’re looking for practical problem-solvers who share their values, respect their freedoms, and put their communities first.
As Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, I’m proud that our state continues to stand as a model for conservative governance rooted in faith, family, and freedom.
But this goes beyond partisan politics. These results remind us that common-sense conservative policies — limited government, fiscal responsibility, strong families, and local control — still reflect the heart of the American people.
That’s a lesson every politician — left, right, or center — needs to learn. It’s time to put the people first again.
John Wahl is Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party and serves as Republican National Committee Vice Chairman for the Southern Region, representing 14 states. He has led the ALGOP in strengthening its grassroots network, expanding voter outreach, and advancing conservative principles across Alabama.
