John Wahl says he will step down as ALGOP Chair if he runs for Lt. Governor

John Wahl said he will resign from his position as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party if he decides to run for Lt. Governor in 2026.

Wahl has publicly signaled his bid for the office in recent weeks, and is expected to join a field that includes two statewide constitutional office incumbents, Secretary of State Wes Allen and Ag Commissioner Rick Pate.

Wahl notified State Executive Committee members on Thursday night that he does “not want the Party’s rules to be amended on my behalf,” in relation to a petition circulated this week that would allow the party chairman or secretary to take a leave of absence while running for office.

According to its author and ALGOP steering committee chair for District 4, Bonnie Sachs, the petition gathered more than 100 signatures within 24 hours of circulation.

“John is so popular on the state committee, and members just hate to lose him. What he’s accomplished for the state party is incredible. We’ve never had another chairman raise as much money or win elections like him,” Sachs said in a statement Thursday night.

Under the proposed language, the vice-chair would assume all responsibilities during such a leave.

In a statement on Thursday night, Wahl reiterated his commitment to the party’s conservative mission and expressed confidence in Vice-Chair Reynolds to step into the chairman’s role if necessary:

“I want to take a moment to thank each of you who shared your input on the possibility of me running for Lieutenant Governor, and to address a petition that is circulating to amend the standing rules to allow the Chairman and Secretary to take a leave of absence if they run for office. I am thankful for the overwhelming support and encouragement I’ve received from the State Executive Committee.

I also want to thank those who took the time to work on the petition regarding a potential leave of absence. I’m truly grateful for your confidence in my leadership and the thoughtful effort so many of you put into gathering signatures to clarify the Party’s standing rules. That being said, as much as I appreciate the gesture, I do not want the Party’s rules to be amended on my behalf.

As I continue to prayerfully consider a run for public office, I want to be fully transparent about my intentions. If I decide to pursue elected office, I plan to resign as Party Chairman. I understand that more than 100 signatures have already been collected to amend the standing rules, but at my request, the organizers have graciously agreed not to submit them. My commitment has always been to put the Party first and to honor the trust of every member as we work together to uphold the values that made America great.

I have complete confidence in our Vice-Chair, Joan Reynolds, and believe she would do an outstanding job leading the Alabama Republican Party if I run. Her dedication, experience, and conservative values would serve us well.

And don’t worry—whatever decision I make, I will not be going away. There will always be opportunities for me to continue supporting the Party in different capacities. My commitment to advancing conservative values, electing our candidates, and defending the freedoms we hold dear is unwavering. No matter what the future holds, I will always be here to serve, to help, and to fight for the principles we believe in.

Thank you again for your continued support and for allowing me to be a part of this great team. I look forward to the road ahead,” Wahl wrote.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.