Alabama to play important role in 2024 GOP primary

With much made of the Iowa caucus and bellwether primary states that kick the nation’s presidential campaigns into full gear, Alabama is uniquely positioned to play an important role in the 2024 GOP presidential primary.

How early will voting start? The caucuses are slated begin weeks earlier than in the previous two elections — and could kick off as soon as early January.

Alabama’s March 5, 2024, primaries are held on “Super Tuesday” – when 14 other states will hold primaries that day during an election that could foretell Democratic President Joe Biden’s likely general election opponent.

With former President Donald Trump set to take the stage at the GOP summer dinner Aug. 4, the Alabama Republican Party is reporting record-breaking interest in events with candidates vying to win over the nation’s most conservative votes.

“In March, we had Gov. Ron DeSantis. And that was the largest dinner that the Republican Party has ever had. Both in attendance and fundraising,” ALGOP Chairman John Wahl told Yellowhammer News. “And we are already over the attendance and dollar amount for the Aug. 4 dinner.

“So we’ll have two record-breaking dinners in a row.”

Trump secured some of the highest margins in the nation during the 2016 and 2020 elections in Alabama. Other candidates have made stops in the Yellowhammer State so far in the ’24 cycle, including DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence.

Alabama’s breakout impact on the 2024 primary might even bring together all candidates on one stage.

“It looks like we are very close to having an official RNC debate for the state of Alabama,” Wahl said. “It’d be the first time in Alabama history. And that is getting closer every day. And I hope to see that announcement soon.”

Wahl said he’s excited for Alabama to play an influential role in the primary and says it all relates back to the values held strongly here at home.

“When you think about what states embody the heart of the values of the Republican Party, it’s hard to find a state that’s more in line with their values in Alabama.” he said. “So I want to see Alabama become a bellwether for Republican candidates as they’re looking across the country.”

Wahl pointed to education reform as accomplished in Gov. Glen Younkin’s Virginia and DeSantis’ Florida, fiscal responsibility, national security and trade policy to combat China, and in general wanting to see government reigned from “socialist, big government programs the Democrats are pushing so hard.”

“We’re a Super Tuesday state. We’re a deep red state,” Wahl said. “And we’re a state that really showcases the citizenship that Republican candidates should be going after. A lot of issues that we’re seeing have the biggest impact on the national stage are also the ones that are most important to the people of Alabama.

“Alabama is a great state to showcase.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270