The Alabama Republican Party has set a fundraising record.
With Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the headliner, the annual Alabama GOP Winter Dinner raised nearly $700,000 for the party.
More than 1,700 people gathered last Thursday for the annual event at the Finley Center in Hoover.
At the record-breaking event, DeSantis discussed what he called his “Florida Blueprint”, with guests. The topics he touched on included school choice, the founding principles of the US, and “common sense conservative values.”
Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said he was pleased with the event and grateful for DeSantis attending.
“The 2023 Winter Dinner was an exciting event, both for the Republican Party and the state of Alabama,” he said. “I am thankful to have had so many wonderful guests join us. I think this was the perfect opportunity for Gov. DeSantis to get to know Alabama a little better, and also for our state to meet one of America’s strongest conservative leaders, and someone that I think is going to be a central figure within the Republican Party for years to come.
“I cannot express how much I appreciate Governor DeSantis and his team for taking the time out of their hectic schedules to visit with our Republican voters. I like to see our state front and center, and I am proud to have Alabama be one of Gov. DeSantis’ first major visits after his re-election last November.”
Wahl, who was just elected RNC vice chairman of the Southern Region, also said he is looking forward to the 2024 election cycle.
“I am excited about getting the 2024 election cycle started with such a successful event,” he said. “It’s important for the party to have the resources and organization we need to challenge leftist candidates and policies both here in Alabama and in swing district across the country.
The Alabama Republican Party is ready to stand strong as we defend our rights and freedoms, and protect the values that made this nation great.”
Demand to see DeSantis was so high that the ALGOP moved the event from the Birmingham Sheraton to the more-accommodating Finley Center.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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