Before Donald Trump, Jr. addressed the crowd at the 2025 Alabama Republican Party’s Trump Victory Dinner, state lawmakers were recognized for their hard-fought efforts that prove Alabama legislates among the most conservatively in the nation.
ALGOP Chairman John Wahl said there is a common denominator between the results of Donald Trump’s presidency and the Republican character of the Alabama Legislature.
“It’s policy,” Wahl said.
“The Republican Party is great because of the values we stand for. And if we ever seek to stand for good policy, then we become ineffective,” he said. “I think it’s incredibly important that we recognize the people who help make that possible.”
Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and Alabama House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen were introduced to present the awards to members of their chamber.
“We have some of the most influential people in this state that is working hard for you every day with the right intent to make Alabama and the nation great again,” Gudger (R-Cullman) said of the Alabama Senate.
ALGOP recognized State Sens. Lance Bell, Will Barfoot and April Weaver. State Sen. Arthur Orr was recognized for two major legislative pushes as well as Gudger himself.
“I’m proud of our members for this award. It is my honor to honor them tonight,” State Rep. Scott Stadthagen (R-Harselle) said.
ALGOP also awarded State Reps. Donna Givens, Danny Garrett, Jamie Kiel, Ed Oliver, and Matt Woods. ALGOP also honored Stadthagen with an award of his own.
State Rep. Donna Givens (R-Loxley) and State Sen. Lance Bell (R-Riverside) were honored for sponsoring the Sound of Freedom Act — “the toughest human trafficking bill in the nation.”
RELATED: Senators crack down on illegal immigrants in Alabama by passing trio of bills
State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville) and State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) were recognized for authoring the CHOOSE Act, Alabama’s landmark school choice law.
State Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville) and State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) were recognized for passing legislation to ban ballot harvesting in Alabama.
RELATED: Ivey signs bill banning ballot harvesting
State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) and State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) received recognition for their legislation to ban DEI programs and divisive concepts from Alabama classrooms, universities and state agencies.
RELATED: Ivey signs ban on teaching, promoting ‘divisive concepts’ in schools, state agencies
State Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) and State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) were honored for the Alabama Child Protection Act, which targets AI-generated child sexual abuse material and online exploitation.
State Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) and former State Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper) were recognized for the Parents’ Right to Know Act, which required curriculum transparency in public schools.
RELATED: Parents’ Right to Know: Classroom transparency law passes Alabama House
State Rep. Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) and State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) were honored for a bill that bars employers from receiving state economic incentives if they recognize a union without a secret ballot vote by employees.
RELATED: Alabama House passes bill protecting workers’ right to secret ballot in union elections
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
