Alabama Republican Party leaders are joining several lawmakers in Montgomery to praise the passage of a bill meant to protect the integrity of their primaries in the Yellowhammer State.

“Republicans across Alabama have been asking for this for more than a decade,” said ALGOP Chairman Scott Stadthagen. “The message from the grassroots of our Party has been clear — Republican voters should choose Republican nominees.”

The Alabama House passed the SAVE Act party registration bill Thursday. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity), requires party registration to be able to vote in the state’s partisan primary elections.

“I want to especially thank Rep. Ernie Yarbrough for sponsoring this legislation and doing the work to move it through the Alabama House,” Stadthagen added. “Ernie stepped up to lead on an issue that Republicans across our state care deeply about, and his leadership made today’s vote possible.”

Stadthagen also pointed to documented cases of Democrats intentionally voting in Republican primaries to influence the outcome.

“For years we’ve seen Democrats openly talk about voting in Republican primaries to influence the outcome — some even bragging about it in national media outlets like the New York Times,” Stadthagen said.

“That’s not healthy for either party, and it’s certainly not fair to Republican voters.”

The legislature has received some pressure from conservative groups to get the bill through. Tom Fredricks openly threatened to get a petition passed to replace Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter as the Republican nominee for Alabama House District 24 if he got in the way of the SAVE Act’s passage.

“The party’s been pushing for closed primaries,” Fredricks said. “We’ve known that. We’ve had, in Morgan County, we’ve got about a 3% crossover vote history. That’s verifiable. I’m sure the numbers are a little higher than that. It creates a problem that’s been needed to be addressed for a long time. You know, 30 some states already have close primaries. Alabama needs to be one of them.”

Fredricks now says he’s dropping the effort.

“This has been festering for a long time, but when Nathaniel Ledbetter got caught on a hot mic, you know, expressing what we’ve all known for years in our hearts. It really, it really brought the issue forward, and it gave us, it gave us the steam to take it to the next level,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, the complaint that the call for action has subsided pursuant to today’s vote, Speaker Ledbetter did extend an olive branch. Maybe he genuinely feels like his comments were out of place, and maybe the Republican Party will have a seat at the table on legislative affairs moving forward that really should have already existed.”

The measure passed 63-35 and now moves to the Senate, where Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) is carrying the legislation.

Fredricks said he will now focus his efforts on getting Alabama Republican senators on board.

“Members of the Senate are no different than members of the House in the eyes of the State and County Republican parties,” he said. “We want them to recognize our voice, to recognize that they are wearing our brand on their sleeve, and because they do wear that brand, and they wear that brand successfully. We want, we want a seat at their table as well.”

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

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is not backing away from his recent comments of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The senator and gubernatorial candidate received some backlash after reposting an image on X that compared Mamdani to the terrorists on September 11, 2001.

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/2032087973810901496

Mamdani responded to Tuberville’s comments, saying, “Let there be as much outrage from politicians in Washington when kids go hungry as there is when I break bread with New Yorkers.”

Tuberville was once again asked about the comments during a call with reporters Thursday.

“[W]hen the mayor of New York City does not put his hand on the Bible and and take the oath to go by our Constitution and uses Quran, which teaches Death to America,” Tuberville said. “That’s a pretty simple explanation for me.”

Tuberville said his comments are not directed at all Muslims, just those that promote Sharia Law and the Quran.

“Well, yeah, I’ll meet with anybody. It doesn’t make any difference to me. I have friends in Alabama that are Muslim, but they don’t preach, teach Sharia law, nor do they study the Quran, because the Sharia law and the Quran are totally opposite of what this country is about,” Tuberville said. “I mean, that’s a pretty easy observation there.”

Late last year, the senator filed a two bill package on the issue: The No Sharia Act and the Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act.

“So no, I’ll, I’ll visit and talk with anybody,” he added. “I love all people. I don’t care if you’re Muslim or Christian or Catholic or Jewish, it makes to me no difference, but do not study and teach and preach and indoctrinate people in something that wants to, wants to have Death to all Americans, and that’s what it teaches. ”

While some have criticized the senator’s stance by claiming it’s an attack on religious freedom, Tuberville said he believes he’s protecting Americans.

“They say, ‘Well, you’re against freedom of religion.’ No, I’m not,” he argued. “Sharia Law and the Quran preaches no freedom of religion, because if you don’t believe in the Quran and Sharia Law, you believe in you should be killed. That’s what Sharia Law and the Quran teaches. So, you know, they kind of speak out of both sides of their mouth, but at the end of the day, these people that preach this Quran and and Sharia Law, they have taken over Europe and almost destroyed it. We’re not allowing that to happen in Alabama or the United States of America.”

Tuberville said he will continue to speak out on the issue despite the pushback.

“Now it’s time to speak up and understand the problem,” he said, “because we have a huge problem here with the growth of a lot of these, a lot of this situation, and I’ll continue to talk out and speak about it on the Senate floor, on TV, on the radio, and the people in Alabama and people across the country.”

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

The Alabama House passed the SAVE Act party registration bill Thursday that Republicans say will protect the integrity of their primaries, delivering on a pledge Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter made just two days earlier to bring the bill to the floor.

HB541, the SAVE Act, sponsored by State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity), passed 63-35 and now moves to the Senate, where Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) is carrying the legislation.

Yarbrough said the bill reflects a conviction he has held since his earliest days in Republican politics.

“This has been something from my days growing up in Young Republicans door knocking,” Yarbrough said. “This is something that has been a lot of discussion in my district. People are very much in favor of it.”

Before the final vote, the House adopted an amendment from House Pro Tem Rep. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile) exempting absentee ballot managers from the party registration requirement, which passed 93-0.

ALGOP Chairman Scott Stadthagen praised the vote, saying Republicans have sought this reform for more than a decade and that the bill protects primary voters from outside interference.

The bill drew opposition from both Republican and Democratic members. Rep. Phillip Rigsby (R-District 25) said his constituents don’t want to be forced into a party label.

“I have a district with a lot of independent voters. They want the ability to go to the polls and pick the ballot for the person that they would like to vote for,” Rigsby said. “I can’t go back to my district in good faith and tell those voters that I’m forcing them to be a part of a party that they may or may not want to join.”

House Minority Leader Rep. Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) argued that if the party wants to change the rules, it should pay for it.

“When a party decides that it wants to change the rules and deny or force individual citizens to fall in line with the rules that they’re setting, I do think it should be the responsibility of the actual party to foot the bill,” Daniels said.

State Rep. Chris Blackshear (R-Phenix City) questioned what problem the bill actually solves given the GOP’s sustained electoral growth.

“In 2010 the Republicans took the majority. Then in 2014 that grew. In 2018 it grew. Now we sit at 76,” Blackshear said. “What advantages do we get now by closing the primaries when it seems to be that we’ve been doing pretty good since 2010?”

State Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) raised the stakes for the state’s roughly 300,000 independent voters.

“What if I am a voter who don’t want to be in either of those parties? What do I do?” Drummond said. “You’re standing there telling me that they got to declare to you first. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Under HB 541, Alabama voters would be required to register a party affiliation before voting in a primary or primary runoff election beginning January 1, 2027. The bill would not affect the May 19, 2026 primary.

Thursday was day 24 of the legislative session. There are six legislative days remaining.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at sawyer@yellowhammernews.com.

Alabama’s entire congressional delegation joined together on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday morning to honor the servicemembers killed in a KC-135 crash over western Iraq last week, including three airmen with ties to Birmingham’s Air National Guard.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, led the bipartisan group, which included Reps. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), Shomari Figures (D-Mobile), and Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) — in a moment of silence on the House floor. Ohio was also represented in the tribute.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues from the State of Alabama and Ohio to honor the lives of the six KC-135 crew members who tragically lost their lives in support of Operation Epic Fury on March 12 of 2026,” Rogers said. “Our prayers are with the families.”

Rogers honored Major John Klinner, Captain Ariana Savina, and Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruett, who were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing performing duties through the 99th Air Refueling Squadron out of Birmingham, Alabama.

He also paid tribute to the Ohio Air National Guard crew members: Captain Seth Covell, Captain Curtis Angst, and Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons, assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing out of Columbus.

Yesterday, Alabama’s two U.S. Senators, Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), alongside President Donald Trump and other senior U.S. officials, who attended the dignified transfer of the six fallen KC-135 crew members in which the remains of the airmen were received on American soil.

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

President Donald Trump was joined by Alabama U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), along with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General John D. Caine, and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson at Dover Air Force Base this week for the dignified transfer of six American servicemembers killed during Operation Epic Fury — including three from Alabama.

Among those honored was Major Alex Klinner, 33, of Trussville — an Auburn University graduate and eight-year Air Force veteran who flew 362 combat hours and 181 combat support hours across four deployments. He is survived by his wife, Libby, and three young children.

“Attending the dignified transfer of Maj. Alex Klinner today was humbling and heartbreaking. In recent days, I’ve learned more about Maj. Klinner—the many lives he touched, the devoted family man he was, and his deep love of country,” Senator Britt said on Wednesdsay.

Maj. Klinner, he had been promoted to major and deployed for Operation Epic Fury less than a week before the crash. His three children are specifically a two-year-old and seven-month-old twins.

Also killed were Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, both of whom served in the 99th Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham.

Capt. Savino logged 348 combat hours across deployments in 2020 and 2026. TSgt. Pruitt, a wife and mother, flew 888 combat flight hours over deployments spanning 2018 through 2026.

All three Alabamians died in the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft over western Iraq, along with three Ohio-based airmen: Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus.

Of the two Birmingham-based servicewomen, Britt added, “Capt. Savino and TSgt. Pruitt were dedicated servicemembers whose lives were tragically cut short in devoted service to their nation. They were part of our community and exemplified the very best of what it means to be an Alabamian.”

“Wesley and I will be forever grateful to Ariana, Ashley, and Alex for their exemplary service and ultimate sacrifice, and we ask that all Alabamians join us in continuing to pray for their families and loved ones during this unthinkable time.”

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

Americans should never have to wonder whether politics in Washington will put their families in danger. 

Unfortunately, that is exactly what’s happening right now because of Democrats’ shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

DHS is responsible for protecting our borders, securing our airports, and supporting the men and women who keep Americans safe every day. When Democrats allowed DHS funding to lapse, they didn’t just create a political standoff in Washington – they created real consequences for families, travelers, and communities across our nation.

The effects are already visible at our nation’s airports. Because funding is stalled, Transportation Security Administration officers are working without pay, and hundreds have already quit under the financial pressure.

Security staffing shortages are leading to longer lines and delays for travelers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. 

Even the aviation industry is sounding the alarm. CEOs from major airlines – including American, Delta, Southwest, and others – recently sent a public letter urging Congress to restore DHS funding immediately. They warned that unpaid aviation workers and staffing shortages are already disrupting travel and threatening the reliability of America’s aviation system. 

This is what happens when politics comes before public safety.

Our border agents, Coast Guard, TSA officers, and other DHS personnel are essential to national security. They show up every day to protect the American people – even when Washington fails to pay them. They deserve better than to be used as leverage in partisan negotiations.

Democrats need to reopen DHS and fund the people who keep our country safe.

House Republicans have pushed to keep these critical security operations running. But Democrats have chosen political gamesmanship instead of responsible governance. House Republicans have passed legislation to fund DHS twice, and Senate Republicans, including my friend Senator Britt who is a leader in the negotiations, have brought legislation to fund DHS to the Senate floor only to have Democrats repeatedly reject it. 

National security should never be a bargaining chip.

The American people expect their government to keep the country safe, protect our borders, and ensure that our transportation systems function properly. Washington should be working for them – not shutting down the department tasked with protecting them.

 It is an honor to serve south Alabamians, and I will continue to work alongside President Trump and my colleagues to reopen DHS. It is time for Democrats to end the shutdown, stop playing politics with public safety, and reopen the Department of Homeland Security before the consequences grow even worse.

Barry Moore represents Alabama’s 1st Congressional District. Born and raised on a family farm in Coffee County, he is a small business owner and veteran who served in the Alabama National Guard and Reserves. He is also a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026. 

Former Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon endorsed Secretary of State Wes Allen in his bid for lieutenant governor Monday, praising Allen’s conservative record during their time serving together in the legislature.

McCutcheon, a Huntsville Republican who served as House Speaker from 2016 to 2022 and most recently as Madison County Commission Chairman before retiring last month, said Allen’s commitment to conservative values made the endorsement an easy decision.

“I worked with Wes in the legislature and I saw, first-hand, his commitment to our conservative values, fighting to pass Republican legislation and standing strong against efforts to bring the liberal agenda to Alabama’s government,” McCutcheon said. “Wes Allen has my vote and my full endorsement.”

Allen thanked McCutcheon and cited legislation the two worked on together, including a ban on transgender surgeries and hormones for minors, the state’s abortion law, and Aniah’s Law.

“His service to the state is a great example of servant leadership,” Allen said. “We are a better state because of those bills.”

Allen is running for Alabama lieutenant governor as the state’s current Secretary of State. The Republican primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026 — now 61 days away.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at sawyer@yellowhammernews.com.

Soon-to-be Alabama’s senior U.S. Senator, Katie Britt, received the 2026 Hometown Hero Award from the Alabama League of Municipalities this week.

ALM, known for their advocacy on behalf of Alabama’s municipalities in both Montgomery and Washington, D.C., cited that Britt (R-Montgomery) has secured more than $456 million in federal funding for Alabama communities during her time in the Senate.

“Alabama’s cities and towns depend on strong partnerships at every level of government,” ALM Executive Director Greg Cochran said. “Sen. Tuberville and Sen. Britt have demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting our municipalities and ensuring communities across Alabama have the resources they need to grow and succeed.”

The award honors Britt for her commitment to strengthening Alabama communities and improving the quality of life for Alabamians.

Alabama League of Municipalities President and Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan presented the award alongside other municipal leaders at the National League of Cities’ Congressional City Conference in Washington on Monday.

Britt was joined in receiving the award by U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who was also recognized by the Alabama League of Municipalities at the same event for his efforts to strengthen Alabama communities and usher in growth for the state.

Britt pointed to a vast range of accomplishments in her remarks, from U.S. Space Command in Huntsville, to the Port of Mobile along the Gulf of America.

“Each and every day in the U.S. Senate, I’m fighting hard for our values, our people and our state. Nothing is more important to me than growing opportunity in Alabama, and I am so fortunate to have such outstanding state partners who share this goal and actively communicate the needs and priorities of their communities,” Britt said.

“From working to bring Space Command to its rightful home in Huntsville, to advocating for and securing Birmingham-Southern College as our Coast Guard’s new training center, to championing commerce at the Port of Mobile and seeing it become the deepest port on the Gulf of America, to supporting Eli Lilly’s $6 billion investment in Huntsville, I’m dedicated to strengthening Alabama’s future.

I’ve also directly secured more than $456 million in federal funding for projects across our state to support our military installations, invest in roads and bridges that connect Alabamians, and provide critical resources for our rural communities. I have fought tirelessly for our state, and our work is just getting started.

I am honored to receive the Hometown Hero Award as I continue to ensure that every room I’m in, Alabama has a strong seat at the table.”

According to ALM, their leadership and support of Alabama’s 466 local governments, Britt and Tuberville have demonstrated a lasting commitment to the communities they serve, making them hometown heroes to cities and towns across the state.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at sawyer@yellowhammernews.com.

Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said Tuesday in an exclusive interview with The Rightside he is excited about U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville as Alabama’s next governor, arguing that the former football coach’s lifelong career as a recruiter makes him uniquely suited to bring jobs and industry to the state.

Ledbetter, who served as chairman of Tuberville’s 2020 U.S. Senate campaign and frequently discusses their close friendship, framed a potential Tuberville governorship in economic development terms — a recruiter sitting in the governor’s chair with a full toolkit of legislative incentives behind him.

RELATED: Speaker Ledbetter, Chairman Stadthagen report historic gains, ‘exciting moment’ for Alabama Republicans

“Can you just imagine, with everything we got going on, with all the incentives that the House and the Senate has passed to give tools, and Alabama ranks number eight in businesses that want to come to our state — can you just imagine what it’s going to look like when we got a recruiter sitting in that chair?” Ledbetter said. “Who better to recruit industry than Tommy Tuberville?”

Ledbetter pointed to the legislative groundwork already laid for economic development, arguing that what Alabama needs now is someone who knows how to close the deal with businesses looking to relocate.

“With the tools that we give him to be able to recruit industry, what kind of jobs can we bring to Alabama, what kind of opportunities our kids will have and grandkids because of it,” Ledbetter said. “So I’m excited. I really am. I think it’s one of those things we all look forward to.”

Ledbetter praised Tuberville as a natural people person, describing moments he had witnessed firsthand.

“I’ve been in restaurants before with him when he just disappears and he’s in the back helping the waiter,” Ledbetter said. “That’s not a put on. He is a people person.”

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at sawyer@yellowhammernews.com.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt joined 15 Republican colleagues Monday in urging the Department of Labor to repeal the Biden-era heat rule, which she argues would burden businesses and potentially endanger the workers it claims to protect.

Britt (R-Montgomery) joined Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) in leading the effort, arguing that the proposed rule’s one-size-fits-all mandates on safety staffing, record-keeping, and mandatory breaks at high-heat thresholds are inefficient and impractical for businesses of varying sizes, locations, and industries.

“Protecting workers from a common and easily understandable workplace hazard does not require a prescriptive rule that will cause confusion and, in several circumstances, may even undermine worker safety,” the senators wrote. “Workers and businesses thrive when there are clear standards that are flexible, understandable, and pragmatic.”

The Biden-era rule would require all businesses to comply with the same heat safety requirements regardless of their safety record, size, or industry.

Critics argue the blanket mandates create dangerous hazards in some workplaces rather than improving safety.

The letter was also signed by Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.).

Britt previously introduced the National Right to Work Act, which would protect an individual’s right to form, join, or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such activities.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at sawyer@yellowhammernews.com.

Lipscomb city leaders met Tuesday for the first time since a judge’s ruling reshaped the balance of power at City Hall, signaling a reset in the city’s ongoing political conflict.

The meeting, which lasted more than two hours and is set to continue Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m., marked the first public test of whether the mayor and city council can move forward following months of legal and administrative disputes.

A Jefferson County judge ruled in favor of the Lipscomb City Council in its lawsuit against Mayor Robin Sims, clarifying that in a city the size of Lipscomb, the council holds the authority to appoint key municipal positions.

The decision resolves a central dispute that has fueled conflict between the mayor and council, including disagreements over the status of the city’s police chief, clerk, and attorney.

Under the ruling, Sims was ordered to comply with the council’s actions recognizing Police Chief Lanita Neal, City Clerk William Baylor, and City Attorney Wayman Newton. The lawsuit stemmed from the mayor’s refusal to honor those appointments, with court filings alleging Baylor was even denied access to City Hall to perform his duties.

During Tuesday’s meeting, both Sims and members of the council publicly acknowledged the ruling and struck a notably more conciliatory tone than in previous weeks.

Sims told attendees the decision provided “clarification,” emphasizing that the dispute was not about blocking officials but about ensuring actions were handled in a way that protects the city legally and financially.

During the meeting, Sims also cited past financial issues, noting that the city had incurred roughly $250,000 in wire fraud losses over the previous four years.

He said those circumstances made it “prudent and necessary” to ensure safeguards were in place to protect the city’s finances.

“With the court’s clarification, we will continue focusing on what matters most—serving the residents of Lipscomb,” Sims said.

Council members echoed a similar tone, describing the ruling as an opportunity to refocus on city operations.

“This moment is not about who wins or loses,” one council member said during the meeting. “It’s about making sure the city of Lipscomb moves forward in a way that serves our people.”

While the legal dispute has been resolved, the broader challenge for Lipscomb may be whether city leaders can restore consistent governance.

The meeting also underscored the strain of recent months, with officials referencing administrative breakdowns, staffing challenges and the need to rebuild trust inside City Hall.

Council members called for stability and professionalism, with one urging leaders to “find a way to have common ground” and work together after weeks of public disagreement.

Sims also struck a more conciliatory tone following the decision, saying he would comply with the court’s order and emphasizing that his actions were rooted in concerns about proper administrative procedures.

“As mayor, I respect the authority of the court and will comply with the ruling,” Sims said in a statement. “My actions throughout this process were guided by my responsibility to ensure that city operations follow Alabama law and proper administrative procedures.”

He added that the dispute was not personal, but rather about ensuring the city’s operations were handled appropriately.

The ruling comes after a prolonged period of instability in the small Jefferson County municipality, which has faced a series of legal, political and administrative challenges in recent years. The disagreement over hiring authority became a flashpoint, with the council ultimately turning to the courts after its resolutions were ignored.

The case also underscored a key distinction in Alabama municipal law: while mayors in larger cities often have executive authority over department heads, in smaller municipalities like Lipscomb, that power rests with the city council.

With that question now clarified, both sides say they are prepared to move ahead—but whether that shift leads to lasting stability remains uncertain.

City leaders are expected to reconvene Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. to continue discussions, as officials work to turn the court’s ruling into day-to-day operations.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) warned about growing foreign influence in American universities at a Senate hearing last week, highlighting legislation he has introduced to restrict student visas and cut off foreign funding on college campuses.

The hearing focused on foreign influence in universities, with Tuberville pressing witnesses on Confucius Institutes, foreign student enrollment, and the national security risks of sharing American research with adversarial nations.

“It’s no secret that foreign adversaries are involved in our higher education system,” Tuberville said. “Whether it’s smuggling millions of dollars in endowments or foreign government-linked academic programs — it’s everywhere in our country.”

Tuberville introduced the Student Visa Integrity Act after watching anti-American protests on college campuses. He described the bill as an effort to prioritize Americans who “love this country” over students from adversarial nations. He also noted that Alabama had closed several Confucius Institutes in recent years.

Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Tuberville that some Chinese post-doctoral researchers at American universities have ties to China’s military industrial complex — and that the U.S. government funds some of them.

“Defense Department funding shouldn’t be going to Chinese researchers who are affiliated with entities that make bombs to kill Americans,” Singleton said. “That seems like a commonsense approach.”

Robert Daly, a senior fellow at the Asia Society, urged caution against painting all Chinese students and researchers with the same brush. Daly noted that 85 to 90 percent of Chinese PhD students stay in the United States after graduating and that foreign-born researchers have won 34 percent of all U.S. Nobel Prizes since 1901.

“We’ve got some of the biggest talent pools in the world currently outside their borders, and they would like to come in as Americans,” Daly said. “We need to remain open to that despite the real threats and issues.”

Both Daly and Tuberville agreed that professors teaching American students should speak fluent English.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at sawyer@yellowhammernews.com.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) received the 2026 Hometown Hero Award from the Alabama League of Municipalities Tuesday and called on Alabama municipal leaders to coordinate the state’s energy infrastructure and capitalize on a wave of incoming manufacturing investment.

Tuberville spoke at the Alabama League of Municipalities breakfast panel during the National League of Cities’ Congressional City Conference in Washington.

The league presented him with the award at the conclusion of the discussion for his efforts to strengthen Alabama communities and usher in growth for the state.

On manufacturing, Tuberville said President Trump’s tariff strategy is driving companies to look at Alabama as a destination for domestic production.

“President Trump is in office, and he has put these tariffs all over the world to make sure manufacturing moves back to America,” Tuberville said. “All you gotta do is drive around Alabama and look at these empty warehouses and realize it’s time to come home.”

Tuberville said Alabama is competing directly with neighboring states for new industrial investment, comparing the contest to SEC recruiting.

“People want to move their manufacturing here. They come in my office and say they love Alabama. Then they go down the hall to Sen. Scott of Florida and tell him the same thing,” Tuberville said. “It’s like recruiting in the SEC — I can beat their ass, I promise you.”

On energy, Tuberville called for a unified statewide coordinator to bring Alabama Power, TVA, rural cooperatives, and other utilities onto the same page.

“Time is over for everybody being on their own page,” Tuberville said. “We’re going to get on the same page with all of it — whether it’s gas, whether it’s water, whether it’s electricity, whether it’s TVA, whether it’s co-ops, whether it’s Alabama Power.”

On education, Tuberville said he wants Alabama students to receive knowledge-based instruction grounded in moral values rather than ideological indoctrination.

“I want our kids to get well educated. I don’t want them to be indoctrinated,” Tuberville said. “We’re going to teach moral values and knowledge. We’re going to teach God in our schools.”

Tuberville closed by stressing that Alabama’s growth depends on coordination across communities, infrastructure, and energy.

“It takes power, it takes water, and it takes infrastructure. We gotta have those three things,” he said.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at sawyer@yellowhammernews.com.

After weeks of apparent turbulence within the ranks of Alabama Republicans, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter and newly-minted ALGOP Chairman Scott Stadthagen spoke in an exclusive interview with The Rightside to how the Alabama House Republican Caucus and state party are united, disciplined, and looking forward to the next term.

On Tuesday, Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said Stadthagen has his “full support” as Chairman, and Stadthagen said the party and lawmakers are working “hand in hand” to accomplish a conservative agenda in the remaining days of the 2026 legislative session and beyond.

Ledbetter referred to U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) as “Governor-elect” as he heads into election season as the far-and-beyond frontrunner for the state’s top office.

“I think it’s an exciting moment from here for Alabama, with the House of Representatives, our caucus and the party coming together and looking forward to the work that we’re going to have going in the future, and it’s exciting for for tomorrow,” Stadthagen said.

“Scott and I have had a lot of discussion over the last week since he’s got elected, and he certainly has my full support, and I think he’s going to do a really good job, and look forward to his leadership,” Ledbetter said. “I think he can bring the party together in a way that maybe somebody else couldn’t.”

Tuesday’s interview with “Rightside” hosts Allison Sinclair and Amie Beth Shaver, in partnership with Yellowhammer News, came after an action-packed stretch for Alabama Republicans.

https://x.com/yhn/status/2033941431505850527

The plot began when John Wahl resigned as ALGOP chairman in late January to run for Lt. Governor in 2026 on the final day of party qualifying. In February, tensions inside the Alabama House Republican Caucus, which Stadthagen served as Majority Leader of, spilled into public view after audio leaked from a closed-door caucus meeting.

Stadthagen later resigned as House Majority Leader to continue his bid for party chairman, and House Republicans elected State Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan) to replace him.

In the time since Stadthagen won out in a three-way contest for the chairmanship, many party and State House insiders have been left wondering where he and Speaker Ledbetter stands — and where the Alabama Republican Party stands with the Alabama Legislature.

Today, Stadthagen said the relationship between the party and caucus is a source of strength for conservatives in Alabama.

“Yeah, absolutely. We have already hit the ground running,” Stadthagen said when asked whether the party felt united behind him.

Part of that includes House passage of an ALGOP priority identified in recent years, and again in recent months, as party members and lawmakers alike turn their attention to the 2026 election cycle.

Legislation to close Alabama’s party primaries to only registered members of that party, Republican or Democrat, passed the House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee on Tuesday morning.

“We’ll have it on the floor Thursday,” Ledbetter said of HB541, sponsored by State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity).

Ledbetter said he expects the bill to clear the chamber, even if Democrats try to drag out the fight, and that, “If we have to cloture, we will.”

Stadthagen said the bill represents exactly the kind of coordination he said Alabama Republicans need more of.

“I think it’s time for us to pick our party lines and pick your teams and support your teams. We’ve already got a law now that if you pick a Republican ballot and there’s a runoff, you can’t flip flop — so we might as well just do it with the primaries as well,” Stadthagen said.

“At the end of the day, we’ve got different parties. You picked your sides. You’re on the team. [Democrats] don’t want us meddling in theirs, and [Republicans] don’t want them meddling in ours. I just think it gives more structure to our party, to each party, and it’s a solid move moving forward for our election integrity.”

Both Ledbetter and Stadthagen both unapologetically went to bat for what Alabama House Republicans have already built over the course of the current term.

As hosts ticked through the caucus’ list of accomplishments from tax cuts, school choice, tough-on-crime laws, DEI bans, protections for girls’ sports, and more, Ledbetter said the metric is objective.

“There’s no question this is the most conservative quadrennium this state’s ever had. Period,” Ledbetter said.

“If you look at my record as speaker and majority leader, it’s the most conservative [quadrennium] the state’s ever had. I mean, you’ve just got to look at what we’ve passed — if it’s DEI or if it’s the CHOOSE Act, which we led the charge on helping getting that passed … when Scott passed the boys and girls bathroom [bill]. I mean, this has been the most conservative four years that we’ve had.”

Stadthagen agreed.

“As far as our caucus members go, they’re Republicans, conservative,” he said. “We’re literally one of the most conservative bodies in the United States. So, we’re hand in hand moving forward.”

He added that, for all the noise of the past month, the current session has ultimately strengthened lawmakers’ and the party’s ability to achieve conservative wins on behalf of Alabamians.

“At the end of the day, it was a very good session,” Stadthagen said.

“It bonded our family stronger than we ever have before, and a lot of things that y’all don’t know from the outside — I can’t tell you how many tears I’ve cried with my teammates, or how many laughs I’ve shared with my teammates — and that’s something that’s private for us.

How many laughs and tears this guy [Ledbetter] and I have had, how many prayers him and I have sat down next to each other and have had, and how many golf rounds we’ve had.

You know, outside looking in, you don’t see all the stuff that we [have gone through], but we have the strongest family that you can ever have right now. And I think that’s what this session has actually accomplished for us, and I’m really, really proud to be a part of this family now.”

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

Alabama’s closed primary bill cleared a key House committee Tuesday and is headed for a full House floor vote Thursday, Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said.

HB541, sponsored by State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity), passed the House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee and immediately drew a commitment from Ledbetter to schedule it as a speaker’s pick for Thursday’s floor session.

“We’ll have it on the floor Thursday,” Ledbetter said, speaking in an interview with “The Rightside” on Tuesday alongside Alabama Republican Party Chairman and State Rep. Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle).

“That’s a Speaker’s pick. I’m gonna pick it for Thursday, so we’ll get to see it on the floor.”

Ledbetter said he expects the bill to pass the House but acknowledged it may draw debate.

“I think we get it through the House. I know that we’ll probably have a little debate on the bill,” Ledbetter said. “After a period of time, we’ll move forward. If we have to cloture, we will.”

Under HB541, Alabama voters would be required to register a party affiliation before voting in a primary or primary runoff election beginning January 1, 2027. Voters who decline to affiliate with a party could register as unaffiliated but could not vote in primaries. A 60-day blackout window before each election would prevent last-minute party changes. The bill would not affect the May 19, 2026 primary.

Yarbrough said the Alabama closed primary bill is designed to ensure that party nominees reflect their party’s platform and to stop crossover voting, in which members of one party vote in the other party’s primary to influence the outcome.

“A party has the right to not only nominate its nominees, but a party exists in connection to what the people understand the platform is,” Yarbrough said. “I think it’s really important as we talk about election integrity.”

Yarbrough also said the bill provides an easy path for voters who want to switch parties.

“I want them to come to our party and stand with us, because our future depends on it,” he said.

New ALGOP Chairman Scott Stadthagen, who has made closing the primaries a top party priority, said the bill simply brings structure to the state’s electoral system.

“I think it’s time for us to pick our party lines, pick your teams, and support your teams,” Stadthagen said. “They don’t want us meddling in theirs, and we don’t want them meddling in ours.”

Tuesday was day 23 of the legislative session. There are eight legislative days remaining.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at sawyer@yellowhammernews.com.

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) has picked up another high-profile endorsement in Alabama’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) backing his campaign.

“Barry Moore is the America First fighter that Alabama needs,” said Senator Scott. “Barry has been a strong conservative. I’m proud to join President Trump and endorse him. I look forward to working with him in the Senate to Make America Great Again.”

Moore welcomed the endorsement and emphasized his priorities in Washington.

”I’d like to thank Senator Scott for his encouragement and his support,” said Barry Moore. “We’ve got a lot of work to do in DC. In the Senate, I’ll work with Senator Scott to permanently close our borders to illegal immigration, make life affordable for working families, and end the brainwashing of our children by left-wing radicals.”

Scott, a former Florida governor elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018, brings national Republican influence to Moore’s campaign. He also previously served as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Moore, a Coffee County native and Auburn University graduate, has built his campaign around his conservative credentials and early support for former President Donald Trump. He was notably the first elected official in the country to endorse Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

A small-business owner, Moore co-founded a waste removal and demolition company that has operated for more than two decades. He later served in the Alabama Legislature before being elected to Congress in 2020, where he is a member of the House Freedom Caucus.

Moore has also received Trump’s “complete and total endorsement,” further solidifying his support among Republican voters.

Moore is one of three Republicans currently in the race, alongside Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson.

Alabama’s Republican primary is set for May 19, 2026.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Across Alabama, many conservatives are looking at what the Alabama State Republican Party’s Steering Committee is doing and saying it feels like the party is eating its own young.

A steering committee that claims to want growth, openness, and new blood is instead blocking multiple Alabamians from even appearing on the Republican ballot.

This isn’t just contradictory — it’s a complete reversal of the party’s own message that “everyone is welcome” and “we want more people involved.”

I was denied Republican Party ballot access after enduring a vicious and unprofessional hearing by the Alabama Republican Party’s steering committee — a ruse designed to make it look like the process was fair when the decision had already been made beforehand. Nothing I could have said or done in the hearing could have changed their minds.

Instead, candidates are being told “no” behind closed doors by a group that, many say, doesn’t even follow its own bylaws and changes the rules whenever it suits them on a whim.

People who might have run for different offices are now saying, ‘Why bother? The insiders will just block me.’ That’s not healthy for any democracy. If voters feel shut out, they won’t just stay home — they’ll start looking for a third party that actually wants them.

A steering committee that refuses to explain its decisions isn’t protecting the party — it’s protecting incumbents.

And voters see right through it. If incumbents need to be shielded from challengers, maybe the problem isn’t the challenger.

I am not alone as others who were denied ballot access by the ALGOP received letters rejecting their attempt to get on the ballot—and they also have said that they weren’t given a single reason why.

No explanation. No due process. No transparency.

Many see that as clashing directly with the spirit of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees that when your rights are affected, you’re entitled to know why through due process.

Instead, a small group behind closed doors is deciding who gets to run and who gets shut out — and observers say they aren’t even following their own bylaws while doing it. That’s not how a confident party behaves. They preach transparency and inclusiveness, but their denial letters come with nothing but silence.

To many voters, this looks less like a steering committee confident in its ideas and more like a group trying to protect incumbents by eliminating competition before voters ever get a say. I believe in the principals of the Republican Party and live those ideals in my daily life.

The Alabama Republican Party is filled with great people, both within the executive committee and everyday citizens all across Alabama. That’s why decisions that hold the future of the party in their hands being made by a small number of steering committee members are so puzzling. 

On the 250th birthday of the United States — a milestone meant to celebrate freedom, self-government, and the right of the people to choose their leaders — Alabama is watching a political machine decide who gets to run and who doesn’t.

Many Alabamians see that as the opposite of America.

A confident party trusts voters. A nervous one tries to choose for them. What the steering committee is doing looks to many like a group shutting out new voices while claiming they want more people involved. I don’t believe a majority of Republican Party executive committee members across the state are in support of what the steering committee does.

You can’t say you’re the party of growth and then a small group of insiders slam the door on your own voters. That contradiction is exactly why people all around the state of Alabama are furious.

The louder this gets, the more people are asking a question that would’ve been unthinkable a decade ago: Has Alabama reached the point where it needs a third party? A party that doesn’t shut down competition. A party that doesn’t fear its own voters. A party that doesn’t treat ballot access like a privilege granted by insiders.

If the party leaders keep shrinking the tent, they shouldn’t be surprised when people start building a new one. People aren’t switching to Democrats — they’re switching off entirely.

If people feel unwelcome, they won’t run. If they feel unheard, they won’t vote, but maybe that is the goal after all.

Angelo “Doc” Mancuso is a dermatological cancer surgeon and an independent candidate for Alabama House District 7.

Six weeks ago, Jerry Carl held a 16-point lead. Today it’s 8 — and Rhett Marques is capturing nearly every undecided voter who makes up their mind.

The First Congressional District in Alabama is hosting one of the state’s most closely contested Republican Primary battles and features a number of fun (for political nerds like me) storylines.

Story #1 – Senator Katie Britt endorsed AL House Rep. Rhett Marques early and gave his campaign an early fundraising boost when she contributed to him.

Story #2 – the return of former Congressman Jerry Carl in his second try to capture the newly redrawn 1st District and once again grab a seat in Congress.

And for me, Story #3 – where would the money go, the former Congressman or the challenger endorsed by the popular U.S. Senator?

Last week I completed my second poll in this district, with the first running six weeks ago at the end of January. That poll showed Jerry Carl with a relatively comfortable 16-point lead in the early going.

Conventional wisdom at that time might have been excused thinking the race was setting up to expectations: Carl is a known former congressman with a distinct advantage being from the most populous part of the district, the field against him is largely unknown, and barring something dramatic, the race was his to control. But what does conventional wisdom know anyway?

My latest polling says “Not much.”

On the all-important ballot question, Carl’s lead has been cut in half. He sits at 28 percent today – up 3 points but within the margin of error from January. Rhett Marques sits at 19 percent – an increase of 10 points. Today’s 8-point gap is down from 16-points and is the first sign that momentum is shifting and Marques is currently ascendant.

But the headline number understates the story. The more important figure is what happened among the undecided voters — the 57 percent who were still uncommitted in January. Between the two surveys, roughly 13 points’ worth of those voters made up their minds.

Marques captured 78 percent of that movement, or 10 points. Carl captured less than a quarter (3 points). Joshua McKee, the third candidate in the race, captured essentially nothing and is effectively irrelevant in this race moving forward.

Read that again: nearly four out of every five voters who decided on a candidate in this race in the last six weeks chose Marques.

That is not noise. That is a trajectory. And if it continues at anything close to that pace through May 19th, this race flips.

Carl’s Ceiling Problem

Part of what’s driving this dynamic is what isn’t happening with Carl’s numbers. His name recognition has been the implicit argument of his campaign from day one: he’s the former congressman, the known quantity, the guy who already represented much of this district. But the data suggests that advantage has largely been spent.

The share of voters who have “never heard of” Jerry Carl moved from 27.2 percent in January to 26.8 percent in March. Effectively zero. His favorability improved from 33 percent to 39 percent — a modest gain, but the kind of movement you’d expect from a candidate who is already near saturation. He appears, by the numbers, to be approaching his ceiling.

There’s also a geographic dimension to this problem that the top-line numbers don’t show. Carl’s favorability in Mobile — his home market, the market he represented in Congress — is 53 percent. In the Dothan media market, which covers 35 percent of the district, it is 19 percent.

He is a regional candidate running a district-wide race. The current ballot tells the same story: in Mobile, Carl leads Marques 41 to 11. In Dothan, Marques leads Carl 35 to 8. The district has two very different electorates, and Carl is competitive in only one of them.

Marques, by contrast, is still in introduction mode — and the introductions are going well. His favorable rating has nearly doubled, from 12 percent in January to 24 percent in March. The share of voters who had never heard of him dropped 20 points in six weeks, from 62 percent to 42 percent.

He is building a coalition on favorable terms, with 42 percent of the electorate still to reach. I’ve also seen a marked increase of support for Marques in the Carl stronghold of Baldwin County. Carl has no comparable runway.

What Voters Learn When They Look Closer

There is another data point from the January survey that deserves attention, because it speaks directly to the durability of Carl’s support.

In January, I ran a standard political science exercise: an informed ballot. After exposing respondents to information about the candidates — including what Carl’s record looks like against the values of this district — I asked them again who they supported.

Carl collapsed. He fell from 25 percent on the initial ballot to 11.5 percent on the informed ballot, dropping from first place to third. Marques and McKee both surpassed him.

This is a district that is 89 percent Trump-approving, 82 percent pro-life, 72 percent evangelical or born-again Christian. It is one of the most conservative Republican primary electorates in the country.

When voters in that electorate start learning the specifics of Carl’s Washington record, they move. The January data shows they move dramatically. The question for the next eight weeks is how many of them get the information.

The Britt Message: A 56-Point Swing That Two-Thirds of Voters Haven’t Heard

Senator Katie Britt has endorsed Rhett Marques. When I tested Britt’s endorsement in January, 55 percent of likely Republican primary voters said it would make them more likely to support the endorsed candidate and only 9.8 percent said less likely — a net impact of +45 points.

In February, I wrote a column for Yellowhammer showing her endorsement tested stronger than President Trump’s in Alabama Republican primaries — wider positive margins, lower negatives. It is the most powerful persuasion asset available to any candidate in this race.

Here’s the problem: almost nobody knows about it. Here’s the positive: when people do learn about it, it moves voters. Tremendously.

The March survey asked voters which candidate Britt endorsed. Only 29 percent correctly identified Marques. Nearly 65 percent simply didn’t know.

The consequences of that awareness gap are stark. Among voters who know about the endorsement, Marques wins 68 percent of the vote. Among those who don’t know, he gets 11 percent.

That is a 56-point swing — based on a single piece of information that two-thirds of the electorate hasn’t received yet.

The geography here is especially striking. In Montgomery’s media market (admittedly a small slice of the district) — where 57 percent of voters are still undecided and no candidate has established a clear lead — only 11 percent of voters know about the Britt endorsement.

That is a market that has barely been touched by this race. It is also, given the composition of its electorate, exactly the kind of market where the Britt message converts.

The Outsider Advantage

The polling also asked voters a framing question: would you prefer “a former member of Congress who knows how Washington works” or “a political outsider who will bring fresh ideas”? The outsider frame won by nearly 20 points: 49.8 percent to 30 percent.

This is Marques’s lane — not because he’s running against Washington rhetorically, but because the electorate was structurally predisposed toward an outsider candidate before a dollar was spent. In January, when 62 percent of voters had never heard of Marques, that preference gap already existed. It was waiting for a candidate.

The message efficiency data reinforces this. Among voters who have seen, read, or heard something about Marques, 49 percent say it makes them more likely to vote for him and only 15 percent say less likely — a net conversion rate of +34 points.

For Carl, the equivalent figures are 38 percent more likely and 17 percent less likely: a +21 net. That 13-point efficiency gap means Marques’s message is simply working harder per impression. In a primary where both campaigns still need to persuade a large pool of undecideds, that compounds.

The Money

The momentum in the polls is matched by what’s happening on the fundraising side. According to the most recent FEC filings, Marques has raised $875,878 and holds $775,221 in cash on hand. Carl has raised $480,928 — nearly $400,000 less — and holds just $307,980 after spending at more than twice Marques’s rate.

A challenger who launched this race as a relative unknown has out-raised the incumbent former congressman by nearly two-to-one, outspent him at a fraction of the rate, and built a cash-on-hand advantage of more than $467,000 heading into the final weeks. That is not the financial profile of a long-shot. That is the financial profile of a candidate who has earned the resources to close.

What the Trajectory Tells Us

Down-ballot primaries are often decided in the final weeks, when voters who haven’t been paying close attention start tuning in. The candidate with momentum, message efficiency, a popular senator’s endorsement, and the resources to broadcast it is well-positioned when that moment arrives.

The March survey found Carl still leading at 8 points. But every variable beneath that number is moving in one direction. His name ID is maxed out.

His support is geographically concentrated in a single market. An informed electorate is an electorate that moves away from him. Undecided voters are breaking toward Marques nearly 4-to-1. And the single most powerful message in this race — the Britt endorsement — is still unheard by two-thirds of the district.

McKee is not a factor. His 59 percent “never heard of” number after months of campaigning tells you what you need to know. When his voters eventually sort, they are a persuadable pool — and they are not consolidating behind Carl.

Anyone telling you this race is settled is not looking at the data.

The data says it’s just getting started.

As a prelude to this year’s Power & Influence Top 50 list, launching April 1 in a special 15th anniversary year for Yellowhammer News, we are proud to continue a tradition that asks an important question in Alabama’s political landscape: Who’s Next?

Year after year, Power & Influence offers the most candid insight into the top 50 influential leaders moving the needle in Montgomery across business, politics and public service — leveraging their influence to the benefit of Alabama.

RELATED: 2025 Power & Influence: Who’s Next? / 2024 Power & Influence: Who’s Next?

Today, we’re directing that insight into the next generation of Alabama leaders. The eleven individuals below are described in a quote from leaders speaking to their impact, effectiveness, and upward trajectory. They are each well on their way to running the state.

Emory Cox

Special Assistant to the President for International Economic Relations

“I’m incredibly proud to see Emory receive this honor, but in no way am I surprised. Emory’s personable nature, vast policy knowledge, and sharp political instincts are far beyond his years.

He proved to be an incredible asset to my office and the State of Alabama during his four years as my Senior Economic Advisor, and is now playing a critical role in helping carry out President Trump’s economic agenda to help all Americans.

From Larry Kudlow to Kevin Hassett, Emory has learned under some of the most brilliant economic leaders in American history, while coming into his own as a leader in this space. One of the things I most admire about Emory is that his success has never caused him to forget where he came from.

He is a proud Pell City native and keeps his Alabama values at the forefront of everything he does.

Emory’s dedication to public service and his love for our great state will continue to bring about meaningful results in both Washington, D.C. and Alabama.”

– U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn)

Maggie Oliver

Chief Development Officer, Alabama Port Authority

“In leadership and in economic development, vision and strategic focus are essential to driving meaningful growth. Maggie Oliver embodies both.

Throughout her time at the Alabama Port Authority, she has articulated a clear and compelling vision for how the Port has and will serve as a catalyst for economic development across our state – strengthening supply chains, attracting new industry, and expanding opportunities for Alabama businesses.

Maggie has a presence that commands a room, but more importantly, she pairs that presence with thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to Alabama’s future.

I am excited to see her continued leadership at the Port and know she will have a positive impact on our state for many years to come.”

– Zeke Smith, Chairman, Alabama Port Authority Board of Directors

Harrison Adams

Alabama Department of Workforce

“As SGA president at the University of Alabama, Harrison Adams learned much about constituents and politics. He had interest early in his career to positively engage in state government policy growth.

He brought that interest and experience to my Senate President Pro Tem office growing strong relationships, while accomplishing much with our team.

He has spent the last 15 months navigating change that is yielding strong outcomes as a Deputy Secretary at the Alabama Department of Workforce.

His calm and efficient demeanor has elevated the department’s profile and effectiveness with all those he interacts with.

Harrison continues to impress me and many in our state as his impact through dedicated and effective public service continues to grow.”

– Greg Reed, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce

Kristin Hellmich

Director of External Communications, Poarch Creek Indians

“Kristin Hellmich leads with intention, listens carefully, and understands the responsibility that comes with telling the story of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Kristin approaches her work with respect for our history and a clear eye toward the future, ensuring our voice is represented accurately and authentically.

In a fast‑moving and often complicated political environment, her steady approach and sound judgment make a meaningful difference.”

– Stephanie Bryan, Chairwoman and CEO of Poarch Creek Indians

Phillip Johns

Chief Financial Officer, Alabama Farmers Federation

“As chief financial officer, Phillip has transformed the Federation’s accounting, membership and Alfa Health divisions through technology, professional development and expanded services for members and county Federations.

His investment strategies have resulted in record growth for Alabama FarmPAC and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, deepening the organization’s impact in both the political arena and philanthropic efforts such as scholarships and Ag in the Classroom. Last year, Phillip and his team led implementation of Alfa Health Plans, delivering an affordable health care option for members just five months after Gov. Kay Ivey signed the legislation into law.

Phillip is a graduate of the Alfa Leadership Academy, a successful small business owner and newly appointed member of the Dixie Electric Cooperative board of directors.

He is a devoted husband and father and embodies Alfa’s Core 4 Values of Faith, Family, Community and Integrity. Phillip is already building a legacy of leadership within our organization and certainly is deserving of recognition.”

– Paul Pinyan, Executive Director, Alabama Farmers Federation

Lindsey McAdory

CEO and Chief Strategist CBG Strategies, LLC

“Lindsey McAdory has many exceptional attributes. He’s a seasoned political storyteller who can frame the challenges facing our city and develop a plan of action.

He’s a builder — bringing people together, forging strong partnerships, and uniting leaders into coalitions that get things done. And when crisis situations arise, Lindsey excels at mapping out effective solutions.

But what truly sets Lindsey apart is his vision. He sees where Birmingham is headed, and he knows how to carve the path to get there.

He helps us turn potential into promise. Lindsey’s not just thinking about the next step forward; he’s charting the course for what comes next. His eyes are fixated on building a better Birmingham.”

– Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham

Saylor Cuzzort

Communications Director + Alabama Senate Republican Caucus

“It is rare to find a person who possesses true talent, innate instinct and abundant affability in the perfect balance, but one such person is Saylor Cuzzort.

Her love for this state and insatiable work ethic are exceeded only by her ability and her integrity.

Saylor’s impressive intelligence enables her to effectively analyze all facets of a complicated issue, but what most distinguishes her from other capable young people is her ability to act on her knowledge and timely execute the task at hand with grace and poise.

With everything she does, her kindness and humility shine through, and I’m excited to see all the ways in which she impacts our state and our nation for the better — she’s just getting started!”

– Caroleene Dobson, 2026 candidate, Alabama Secretary of State

Annie Dunne Meissner

Director of Finance and Events, Alabama Republican Party

“Annie Meissner has quickly become an invaluable leader on the Alabama Republican Party team.

As Director of Events and Finance, she has been instrumental in strengthening our fundraising efforts while planning and executing events that bring together grassroots supporters, donors, and Republican leaders from across Alabama.

If you’ve attended an ALGOP event recently, you’ve likely seen Annie’s work firsthand. She executed an incredibly successful Trump Victory Dinner featuring Donald Trump Jr., organized a sold-out Candidate Meet & Greet with Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, and leads numerous donor events that keep our supporters engaged.

Annie is absolutely a rising leader in Alabama politics.”

– Shannon Whitt, Chief of Staff, Alabama Republican Party

Anna Grace Gamble

External Affairs Manager, Alabama Rural Electric Association

“Anna Grace has been an exceptional addition to the Electric Cooperative family. She reflects the values and character of our members and has cultivated invaluable relationships with legislators and policymakers that help advance the cooperative mission.

She is thoughtful, professional, and well-regarded by those around her. She brings a steady presence to her work and approaches it with care. Those qualities have helped her make a positive impression early in her career, and will continue to do so.”

– Sean Strickler, Chief Operating Officer, Alabama Rural Electric Association

Scott McClintock

Vice president of Policy and Public Affairs, Business Council of Alabama

“Scott’s recognition on Yellowhammer’s ‘Who’s Next’ list is a well-deserved honor and a testament to the impact he has already made in Alabama’s policy and political landscape.

Scott brings a rare combination of strategic insight, policy expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing pro-growth, pro-business solutions for our state.

His leadership has strengthened BCA’s advocacy efforts and helped ensure the voice of Alabama’s job creators is heard clearly in Montgomery and beyond.

We are proud to see him recognized as one of the rising leaders shaping Alabama’s future.”

– Helena Duncan, President and CEO, Business Council of Alabama

Justice Smyth

Executive Director, Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority

“I couldn’t be more proud to see Justice receive this well-deserved recognition. His strategic thinking, uncompromising integrity, and commitment to results have made a real difference for our community and for economic development across our region.

He approaches every challenge with intelligence and purpose, and he does so with the kind of character that makes everyone around him better.

Justice represents the very best of what a young leader in this field can be, and I am confident his impact on our state will only continue to grow.”

– Tim Parker, III, President & CEO, Parker Towing Company

Yellowhammer News’ 15th Anniversary Power of Service event will be held on April 7, 2026 in Montgomery. The 2026 Power & Influence list will debut its first installment of 10 honorees on April 1, 2026. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact courtney@yellowhammernews.com. 

In 1939, the Alabama Legislature adopted “We Dare Defend Our Rights” as our official state motto, and it accurately reflects the fundamental beliefs regarding freedoms and liberties that the vast majority of our citizens embrace.

The Alabama Religious Freedom Amendment that was ratified by voters and enshrined in our state constitution defends the right to worship as you please. Our constitutional carry law that allows citizens to carry firearms without first requesting government permission defends Second amendment gun rights.

Alabama’s strongest-in-the-nation law that bans abortion and protects the unborn defends the basic right to life. But one liberty that is sometimes overlooked and in need of an added dose of defense is property rights.

I am a lifelong outdoorsman, and I believe strongly if someone in Alabama wants to buy some acreage and develop it for hunting land, they should be allowed to do it. The same goes for building a lake for fishing.

Hunting property cannot be created in urban settings, of course, but in more remote locations where the safety of surrounding people and property can be assured, no government or individual should stand in your way.

It boils down to the theory that rights are sacred until they infringe on the rights of another, or as a quote attributed to Supreme Court Justice Oliver Holmes says, “My right to swing my fist ends where your nose begins.”

But even in Alabama, property rights remain under constant threat from their mortal enemy — aggressive, intrusive, and overly invoked zoning decisions.

With the simple cast of a vote and the stroke of a pen, local government zoning decisions can instantly wipe away property rights and stop any project, large or small, dead in its tracks.

A pattern of inconsistent and extreme zoning mandates can result in investors, business recruiters, and economic development prospects abandoning some towns and communities altogether for fear that their significant financial outlays could be lost at the whim of local officials.

Some communities are currently wrestling with exactly this kind of question as proposals emerge to change zoning or land-use rules after property has already been purchased and development has begun under existing regulations.

Whether someone personally supports or opposes a particular project is not the central issue because allowing government to change zone rules after projects have begun is like letting referees rewrite the entire rulebook at halftime of a football game.

This exact scenario is being played out in south Alabama with a clean, renewable energy infrastructure project that is essential to supplying power for an $800 million Meta data center in Montgomery that will soon add more than 100 jobs.

Some are seeking to halt the already approved and underway project by changing zoning rules, but if they are successful, it could deter future investors from starting businesses in the area and harm job creation and economic progress for years to come.

When government changes the rules for one property owner because of public pressure, it sends a message that no one’s property rights are truly secure. Today it might be one type of development, but tomorrow it could be a farm expansion, a mom-and-pop storefront or business, or a family home built on land that outsiders would prefer to see used differently.

Changing the rules midstream may feel like a quick solution, but the long-term consequences are far greater. It risks undermining the rule of law and weakening a principle that has protected American property owners for generations.

Leadership sometimes requires defending principles even when it would be easier to simply follow the loudest voices in the room.

If we want to preserve the freedoms and opportunities that property ownership provides, we must remain committed to a simple but essential idea — when someone follows the law and invests in their property based on the rules that exist, those rules should not be changed after the fact.

There is no ranking or hierarchy of our individual rights because all of them are precious and important, and blood was shed on battlefields to secure each of them.

The loss of property rights could start a chain reaction that quickly leads to the loss of other freedoms, and that is a road that no true patriot should ever want to travel.

The Alabama Legislature awarded final passage Thursday to a bill allowing retired public employees to return to work as school bus drivers and public safety officers without losing their retirement benefits.

HB138, jointly sponsored by State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) and State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine), combines two separate measures addressing staffing shortages in school transportation and public safety.

“Getting children safely to school, returning them home again, and keeping our communities safe from crime are core government responsibilities,” Paschal said. “HB138 provides these critical services while providing experienced retirees a practical way to step back into service where they’re needed most.”

The legislation allows eligible retirees in the Employees’ Retirement System and Teachers’ Retirement System to return as school bus drivers, school resource officers, sheriff’s deputies, municipal and state police officers, correctional officers, and assistant district attorneys while continuing to receive retirement benefits.

Existing earnings limits remain in place, with exceptions for certain positions up to $52,000. Retirees would not accrue additional benefits while reemployed and must meet all certification requirements. The bill sunsets December 31, 2032.

The House voted to concur with Senate amendments, sending the bill to Governor Kay Ivey.

Thursday was the 22nd legislative day. There are eight days remaining in the 2026 legislative session.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at sawyer@yellowhammernews.com.

After director Andrew Jarecki publicly dared Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Attorney General Steve Marshall to attend the Oscars, his film “The Alabama Solution” didn’t even win out in the category it was nominated for.

On Sunday night, the 98th Academy Awards was held in Hollywood, and a documentary profiling the state’s prison system was among the nominees for “Best Documentary.”

The award ultimately went to a film about resistance to Russia’s war in Ukraine, leaving Jarecki empty handed.

Earlier this month, Jarecki appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and extended an invitation to Ivey and Marshall to join him at the Oscars.

“We reached out to [Governor Ivey] and invited her and invited Steve Marshall, in the hope that there can be some kind of, you know, realistic meeting of the minds,” Jarecki said.

“Have you heard back?” Jimmy Fallon asked.

“We have not heard back yet. But we’re hopeful,” the director replied.

He did not hear back. Many viewed the invitation as a publicity stunt. Including Attorney General Steve Marshall.

“Here’s what I also know: it is radicals like Jarecki and Fallon who are simply soft on crime. They’re more worried about releasing people from prisons than they are about ensuring public safety,” Marshall said in his response.

RELATED: AG Marshall responds to left-wing filmmaker’s attack on state’s justice system: ‘Keep your Oscars, we’ll keep our values’

“Keep your Oscars. We’ll keep our values. Protecting victims and not celebrating criminals.”

Former Alabama State Sen. Phil Williams is now one step away from confirmation as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama after the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced his nomination on Thursday.

He and longtime prosecutor Thomas Govan Jr. are now in the same boat, awaiting action by the full chamber.

Williams was first tapped by President Donald Trump for the post last fall, and if confirmed, would serve a four-year term as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama.

The Northern District of Alabama is the largest of the state’s three federal districts, covering 31 counties and about 59% of Alabama’s population.

Williams has remained a high-profile figure since he exited office through his work as an executive at the Alabama Policy Institute, and through his statewide brand, Rightside Media, which has transitioned to new ownership and partnered closely with Yellowhammer News. 

He has over two decades as a trial attorney and a AV-preeminent peer-rating, and is also a combat veteran and U.S. Army Colonel.

He served thirty years as an Army Officer in the reserve component. He is an Airborne Ranger with decorated combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as service on the Army staff in the Pentagon.

As a member of the Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) went to bat for Williams’ resume during Thursday’s hearing. According to Britt, Williams’ resume includes more than 700 court appearances and taking more than 30 trials to verdict.

Democrats, like U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), attacked Williams on baseless, political grounds.

Britt drove his nomination over the finish line in a 12-10 vote, with only Democrats opposing.

He and Govan’s final confirmation will be taken up by the full U.S. Senate chamber on an imminent basis.

Recently, Williams described his nomination to the office as “the honor of a lifetime.”

“The rule of law is the cornerstone of a free society, and the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is to make sure that justice is applied fairly and consistently. My goal is to support law enforcement at every level and work to ensure that Alabama families can feel safe in their communities,” Williams wrote.

“Federal prosecutors must be partners, not spectators,” he said. “We will work closely with sheriffs, police departments and district attorneys to bring the full weight of the justice system against violent crime, public corruption and those who prey on the vulnerable. And when it comes to matters involving civil litigation, we will defend the interests of the citizens of the United States and the federal government with all due course.”

Rural Alabama has been waiting decades for access to affordable health services — and despite the empty promises of a bill funneling millions of dollars to large ambulance companies, we’re still waiting.

The stories of loss and heartbreak are real. We’ve seen them. We’ve lived them. The families who depend on rural ambulance services are not just our members. They are our families and neighbors. 

Alabama Farmers Federation has been fighting for rural Alabama for over 100 years. We aren’t opposing SB 269 and HB 400 because we don’t care about rural EMS. We oppose this legislation because we do care!

The math doesn’t lie. Alabama’s most rural counties would receive less than 10% of the money collected from this legislation. Although supporters claim it helps the ambulance crisis in rural Alabama, the bill directs more funding to big city ambulance companies than the 28 most rural Alabama counties COMBINED.

Those 28 counties are the exact areas that need the most help. Protecting those counties — and the people who live there — is precisely why we oppose SB 269 and HB 400.

Of the estimated $21 million in new operator revenue generated by this bill, only $2 million reaches Alabama’s most rural counties. Supporters dispute this calculation, claiming the bill generates closer to $34 million.

Even accepting their number, Alabama’s 28 most rural counties would receive approximately $3.4 million, still less than 10% of the total. The distribution problem doesn’t change. The numbers just get bigger.

Rural Alabama is being used as leverage to pass this legislation, but the reality is rural families will pay more and receive far less than big-city companies. In fact, the entire reimbursement formula of the bill is based on a single “super-rural” ZIP code in Greene County, Alabama.

Yet, Greene County only stands to gain $25,000 from this legislation, while Huntsville Hospital collects nearly $4 million annually, and a New York private equity firm gets more than $2 million.  

Sending pennies to rural counties will not solve the ambulance crisis real Alabamians are facing. Worse yet, it subsidizes a few large companies by taking money from farmers, small businesses, teachers and state employees.

Alabama families deserve to know what this bill actually does before it becomes law.

SB 269 and HB 400 would raise insurance premiums for the 10% of Alabamians already struggling most to afford health coverage. Medicaid and Medicare patients are specifically exempt from the bill, and state legislation cannot mandate rates for self-funded employer plans governed by the federal ERISA law.

That means self-employed individuals like farmers; small businesses with commercial plans; and teachers and state employees will pay the full cost of the bill. Because 90% of ambulance rides are exempt, this legislation closes only 6% of the funding gap the ambulance industry itself says exists.

SB 269 and HB 400 are a hidden tax. This legislation would send 90% of the money from YOUR higher insurance premiums to a few large companies operating in metro areas. Only 10% of the money would reach EMS providers in the most rural counties. 

Let’s find a REAL solution. Alabama farmers and rural families deserve answers that address the availability and affordability of health care services. SB 269 and HB 400 do not accomplish that. We are eager to explore options that will address the EMS crisis without shifting costs to a small fraction of patients while benefiting a few large companies.

Alabama is set to receive more than $200 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program. The Legislature has laid a foundation for improvement with Alabama’s Rural Roadmap. It’s time to address the health care crisis in rural Alabama. Sending millions in higher insurance premiums to a few companies is not the answer. 

Rural Alabama is waiting.

Brian Hardin is the External Affairs Department Director for the Alabama Farmers Federation.