The Republican Party is adding a new public official and former Democrat to their ranks in the Yellowhammer State.
Clarke County License Commissioner Linda Goodman joined the GOP Tuesday. She is the county’s newest Republican officeholder after receiving formal approval at a recent meeting of the Clarke County Republican Executive Committee.
“Linda has been an excellent License Commissioner and an exceptional public servant,” Clarke County Republican Party Chair Summer Padget said. “She always goes above and beyond for her constituents, and we are proud to have her as a member of the Republican Party.”
Goodman has served as license commissioner for 22 years and is well known among constituents for her long tenure in office. She told local Republican leaders the Democratic Party’s values have shifted in recent years, moving away from the principles she supports.
ALGOP Chairman John Wahl praised Goodman’s decision, arguing the modern Democratic Party is increasingly out of step with Alabama voters.
“The Democrat Party has abandoned traditional, conservative Alabama values and become completely out of touch with working families,” Wahl said. “The Alabama Republican Party will always stand for individual rights and freedoms, parental rights, safe communities, and a prosperous future. I’ve heard wonderful things about Linda’s character and service, and I look forward to meeting her personally and welcoming her to our Republican family.”
The ALGOP has been more involved in some of these local offices. The Party launched a comprehensive municipal program for the runoff election that provided candidates with targeted resources, including direct mail, grassroots mobilization, voter contact by text message, and digital advertising.
With Goodman’s addition, Republicans continue to expand their footprint across the state. According to ALGOP, the party now holds more than 73% of all partisan elected positions at the federal, state and county levels.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
