The Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) held leadership elections during its winter State Executive Committee meeting on Saturday at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover.
Soon after Chairman John Wahl gaveled in the meeting, he relinquished the lectern, as the committee’s approximately 400 members were allowed to make nominations for the chairmanship from the floor.
Wahl, being the only candidate nominated, was swiftly reelected by acclamation. This will be his third two-year term at the helm.
“I am honored and humbled to have the support of our State Executive Committee in Alabama,” Wahl said.
“This re-election is a testament to the strength of our party and the hard work we’ve put into building a unified, successful platform for our state. I look forward to continuing to work together with our members to advance conservative values and bring lasting change to Alabama.”
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Vice Chairwoman Joan Reynolds was also reelected by acclamation.
Secretary Carol Jahns faced a challenge from Morgan County cattle rancher Kerrick Whisenant but was also ultimately reelected.
With Treasurer Sallie Bryant choosing not to seek another term, the race to succeed her was considered a tossup between Reed Phillips, who recently left his position as ALGOP Executive Director, and Kimberly Cook, Vestavia Hills City Councilwoman and wife of state Supreme Court Justice Greg Cook. Bryant threw her support to Phillips in a short speech to committee members, and Phillips ultimately won with a 29-vote margin.
“After working for the Party for almost 10 years, I’m excited to continue to serve the Party in this new capacity and give back to the organization that’s given so much to me,” Phillips told Yellowhammer News.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Wahl, the staff, and the great members across the state.”
Several congressional district chairmanships changed hands as well.
Jackie Gay was elected to replace State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) as Congressional District (CD) 1 Chairman. State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn) replaced State Sen. Lance Bell (R-Riverside) as CD3 Chairman, and State Rep. Ben Harrison (R-Elkmont) replaced former Congressman Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) as CD5 Chairman. Vaughn Poe was elected to replace CD7 Chairman Pierce Boyd.
All congressional district chairmen will serve on the Steering Committee, the party’s 21-member governing body.
Riley McArdle is a contributor for Yellowhammer News. He is a Junior majoring in Political Science at the University of Alabama and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the College Republican Federation of Alabama. You can follow him on X @rileykmcardle.
