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Harold Sachs, longtime chief of staff at the Alabama Republican Party, dies of COVID-19

Harold Sachs, who since 2011 has served as the highest-ranking full-time employee of the Alabama Republican Party, passed away after an extended battle with the coronavirus, he was 71.

A devout Christian, dedicated family man and stalwart conservative, Sachs earned widespread respect in Alabama politics for his consistent leadership atop the staff of the state party.

Since hiring Sachs for the chief of staff role in 2011 Republicans have dominated races for statewide office in Alabama, and the Republican ranks in both houses of the state legislature have swelled to supermajorities.

“Please join us in praying for the family of our beloved Chief of Staff, Harold Sachs, who passed away into the arms of our heavenly Father,” tweeted the official ALGOP account on Tuesday afternoon.

In his role as chief of staff, Sachs was in charge of carrying out the decisions made by Chairwoman Terry Lathan and the party’s steering committee. He led a staff of around half a dozen employees, a number that increased during peak campaign seasons.

Sachs was hospitalized in late October with the case of COVID-19 that ultimately took his life.

“Our prayers and our thoughts are with the Sachs family during this time. Harold Sachs was a fine gentleman, and he will be sorely missed,” remarked Representative-elect Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) in a statement emailed Tuesday.

Sachs served at the head of the ALGOP staff for longer than any other person to hold this position.

“Cindy & I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Harold Sachs,” tweeted Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill on Tuesday, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Miss Bonnie & her family!”

Love and support for the Sachs family poured in via social media on Tuesday as word spread of Harold’s passing.

“Our staff is heartbroken at this tremendous loss but we are deeply focused on his family,” concluded the official statement from the party.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95

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