A perennial name in Alabama politics, former Secretary of State John Merrill announced today that he is officially running for chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.
Merrill’s entry adds a high-profile name to a fast-moving chairmanship contest that ignited after former ALGOP Chairman John Wahl stepped aside last month to run for Lieutenant Governor.
ALGOP Vice Chair and longtime conservative activist Joan Reynolds immediately assumed the role on an interim basis and is now seeking election to continue in the job.
Merrill is billing himself in the race as a proven statewide leader who can “restore trust, transparency, integrity, and confidence” in party operations across all 67 counties.
“For more than two decades, I have dedicated my life to serving the people of Alabama and advancing conservative principles,” Merrill said. “Our party’s strength comes from the confidence of our members, and I am committed to restoring that confidence through openness, accountability, and proven leadership.”
In his announcement, Merrill said his vision for the party “focuses on four core priorities: restoring confidence in the Republican Party, ensuring transparency among members of the Executive Committee, strengthening financial integrity through comprehensive review and accountability, and rebuilding trust in leadership at every level.”
ALGOP’s chairmanship is elected by the party’s State Executive Committee, which includes county party GOP chairmen and other members elected in Republican primaries, along with certain party officers. Under the bylaws, the State Committee elects party officers, including the chairman, and it also fills sudden officer vacancies.
The vote to fill the vacancy created by Wahl’s resignation is set for March 7, when the State Executive Committee meets for its winter session.
Merrill joins a growing list of contenders who are already campaigning ahead of the March meeting, including State Rep. Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle), who stepped down this week as Alabama House Majority Leader to pursue the chairmanship.
Stadthagen faced backlash from within his caucus in recent weeks as he defended potential conflicts of interest in dual roles with the state party, which does not take positions in primaries, and as Majority Leader, which has a vested interest in protecting the incumbents and supermajority of the Alabama House Republican Caucus.
Merrill is a household name in Alabama politics. He served as Secretary of State after winning statewide elections during the 2014 cycle and again in 2018. Prior to that, he served one term in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2010 to 2014 representing Tuscaloosa County. In his most recent bid for office, Merrill ran for, and eventually dropped out of, the GOP primary race to U.S. Senate
During his tenure as Secretary of State, Merrill says, “Alabama achieved record voter registration and participation, conducted what was widely recognized as the most secure elections in state history, and earned national recognition for transparency, security, and accountability in election administration.
He also chaired the National Commission on Election Integrity following the 2020 election, helping shape reforms adopted across the country.
In his announcement, Merrill also highlighted his past leadership inside the party at the county level and said he wants to ensure SEC members have clearer access to information about how the party operates.
“As Chairman, I will ensure every county has a voice and every member has access to information about how our party operates,” Merrill said.
“By visiting all 67 counties and maintaining regular communication with local leaders, we will build a stronger, more unified Republican Party for the future.”
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

