Bryan Taylor, Gov. Kay Ivey’s former top legal adviser, announced today he is running for chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.
“I am uniquely qualified to lead our state’s court system,” he said in a statement. “My experience as an attorney, Army Judge Advocate and military prosecutor, along with my service in the executive and legislative branches of state government has given me a unique perspective that will benefit Alabama’s courts and the Alabamians they serve.
“What makes the chief justice position different than the other justices is the administrative side of the job – managing the court system and working with the governor’s office and the Legislature to advocate for the needs of the judicial system. I’m the candidate best prepared to do that.”
State GOP Chair John Wahl said Taylor’s service to the party is invaluable.
“Bryan Taylor has served the Alabama Republican Party with distinction, and we are grateful for his time with the ALGOP,” said Wahl. “As legislative counsel, his advice has been invaluable to help the Party defend the people of Alabama and the conservative values we hold as Republicans. I wish Bryan the best of luck in all his future pursuits.”
Taylor discussed his approach in interpreting the law and the importance of having an unbiased judicial system.
“I have a conservative judicial philosophy. I believe that judges should follow the law as written and not legislate from the bench. We cannot allow the judicial system to be weaponized to advance a political agenda. When pro-life activists, parents at school board meetings, or religious groups exercising their rights become targets of judicial activism, people lose faith in our courts. I will make sure that the rule of law is followed, and that justice is applied fairly in Alabama,” said Taylor.
Taylor earned his B.A. in communications, graduating cum laude from the University of Alabama in 1998 and received his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin in 2001. He held senior positions in three governors’ administrations, most recently as Ivey’s chief legal advisor. In 2010, he was elected to the State Senate and served one term.
Taylor will be stepping aside as legislative counsel for the Alabama Republican Party while running his campaign.
He is running against Associate Justice Sarah Stewart to succeed Chief Justice Tom Parker, who is precluded by state law from running again. The GOP primary is March 4, 2024.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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