State Rep. Scott Stadthagen wasted no time on his first day as Alabama Republican Party chairman, announcing a youth outreach initiative, a top legislative priority, and a pledge to strengthen coordination with county parties ahead of November elections.
Stadthagen steps into the role after former ALGOP Chairman John Wahl resigned in January to run for Lt. Governor in 2026, triggering a special leadership vote by the party’s State Executive Committee at the Winter Meeting in Hoover.
Unlike a statewide primary, the chairman’s race was decided by the Alabama Republican Party’s State Executive Committee — a body of more than 400 members that elects party officers and manages the organization’s day-to-day direction.
The open race quickly became one of the most closely watched contests in state politics, with Stadthagen, former Secretary of State John Merrill, and acting Chairman Joan Reynolds all seeking the post.
On Saturday, Stadthagen ultimately emerged from that three-way contest in two rounds of voting, leading the first ballot with 45% and then defeating Merrill in the runoff by a 62%-38% margin after Reynolds was eliminated.
This week, he took over the party reins.
“Today we begin a new chapter for the Alabama Republican Party,” Stadthagen said.
“Our party is strongest when we are united, and my focus as Chairman is bringing Republicans across this state together so we can continue building on the conservative success Alabama has seen. When our grassroots leaders, our county parties, and our elected officials are all working together as one team, there’s no question we will win in November.”
Stadthagen also launched Project Future Generation, a statewide effort to engage teens and young adults in the conservative movement.
Alabama-based conservative podcaster Brilyn Hollyhand, who has built a national following among young conservatives, will lead the initiative alongside ALGOP Youth Outreach Coordinator Brady Johnson.
“If we want to build a strong party for the future, we have to invest in the next generation today,” Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) said.
On the legislative front, Stadthagen named party registration legislation — closing off party primaries in Alabama to only registered members of a respective party — as his top legislative priority this session.
That also part of action taken by the SEC on Saturday, where members adopted a resolution urging the Legislature to move to a closed primary system for Republican contests.
“Republicans across Alabama deserve a system that protects the integrity of our party and ensures that our nominees represent Republican voters,” Stadthagen said.
Stadthagen also pledged to prioritize direct coordination with county Republican Party chairmen across the state.
“Our county parties are the backbone of the Alabama Republican Party,” Stadthagen said. “When our counties are strong, our entire party is strong.”
Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected]
