Garlan Gudger addresses the Montgomery Republican Party Lincoln-Reagan Dinner

October 30, 2025 – MONTGOMERY - Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) addressed the Montgomery County Republican Party at their annual Lincoln – Reagan Dinner banquet.

"I am truly honored to be here," said Gudger.

Gudger said that Senate Republicans have raised, "$1.8 million for the Alabama Senate," ahead of the 2026 election.

The GOP currently holds a 27 to 8 supermajority over Democrats in the Alabama Senate; but a recent court ruling from Judge Manasco in Birmingham could change that to 26 to 9 likely costing incumbent Senator Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) his seat.

"He is a good friend," Gudger said of Barfoot who introduced him.

Gudger said that he is the owner/operator of a small business in Cullman that was started by his father in 1969. Today it is the number 5 in the nation historical architectural accents store. They preserve, restore, and sell stain glass windows, doors, flooring, etc. from buildings dating to roughly 1890 to 1920.

"I live above my store with my wife and my two German Shepherds," said Gudger.

Gudger said that getting things done in the Alabama Senate requires teamwork.

"You cannot do anything on your own," in the Legislature said Gudger. "If you want to accomplish something bigger than yourself you have to work with your colleagues."

Gudger said that he suffered a boating accident last year.

"It almost took my life," said Gudger. Eight vertebrates were crushed, and his spleen was ruptured.

"I lost my business for a year and a half," said Gudger. "It changed how I thought about life and the rest of my time on Earth. That was one of the scariest moments of my life."

That was also when Gudger decided to run for leadership, but Gudger said that the near-death experience made him more committed than ever to make a difference in his time on Earth.

"A lot of people thought I was crazy," admitted Gudger.

Gudger was ultimately successful – besting Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston and Senator Clyde Chambliss in the voting among the Republican Senate Caucus members.

Gudger stressed that the Republican Caucus shares Alabama's Christian values.

"We put God first in the Alabama State Senate," said Gudger of the Republican agenda. "Jesus had 12 disciples – I have my Republican Caucus."

As the Senate Pro Tem. Gudger has much of the burden for speaking for the Senate.

"They know that communication is essential for Alabama to be as successful as it can be," Gudger said.

Dozens of officeholders and Republican dignitaries were on hand for the event including Alabama Supreme Court Justice Will Sellers, Rep. Tim Wadsworth, Lt Gov. candidate Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth, Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate (also a Lt. Gov. candidate), Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl, Secretary of State candidate Caroleene Dobson, Lt. Gov. candidate Dean Odle, Agriculture Commissioner candidate Douglasville Mayor Corey Hill, Public Service Commissioner Jeremy Oden, former Lt. Gov. Steve Windom, Judge Matt Fridy, Judge Mary Windom, and PSC candidate Cullman Sheriff Matt Gentry.

Senators Will Barfoot, Chambliss, and Jack Williams (another Ag. Commissioner candidate) were also present.

Gudger praised them for their support and for sharing their expertise - Barfoot for legal matters, Williams for Agriculture and Forestry, and Chambliss for his knowledge of Senate procedures.

"Anytime I need anything about the rules I go to Clyde, said Gudger. "I get to work closely with Speaker Ledbetter as well."

Gudger asked the Republican committee members to support their legislators.

"It takes encouragement and prayer," said Gudger. "They are sacrificing and spending time away from their families for you."

"Job creation is strong, tourism is strong," said Gudger. "Our success in economic development is strong and I am honored to be part of that."

Gudger said that accomplishments of the 2025 legislative session include: cutting the tax on groceries.

"That is the largest tax cut in Alabama history," said Gudger. "We are trying to get that to zero."

Gudger said that they also eliminated the tax on baby items like formula, diapers, etc.

"Your legislature is not only prolife it is pro family," said Gudger.

"We did pass the Back the Blue bill," said Gudger. "The men and women who protect us need to know that their elected officials are behind them."

"The illegal immigration package passed," said Gudger.

This prevents undocumented workers from getting Alabama drivers licenses. It also defines human smuggling, and collects fingerprints of illegal immigrants when they are in their custody.

Gudger said that the Legislature passed "record spending on public education" and created the Department of Workforce in order "To have the workforce ready for them."

Gudger said that due to the Alabama Literacy Act and the Alabama Numeracy Act Alabama education has improved from 49th out of the 50 states in 2019 to where we are now 34th.

Gudger reminded the audiences that the state has two budget: education and the general fund. The Stat General Fund (SGF) is at $3.7 billion.

"The accomplishments of your legislature is really too much to list," said Gudger.

Gudger said that Senator April Weaver (R-Briarfield) is bringing legislation to give child predators the death Penalty. This was in response to the Bibb County case where 10 adults were profiting from chaining children to beds and allowing people to rape them for money – some as young as the age of 3.

"There is a special place in Hell for you (child predators) and I want to make sure that Alabama gets you there," Gudger said.

Gudger said that the legislature is emphasizing career tech so high school graduates can go straight into the workforce to take "21st century jobs."

"We have the most conservative Legislature in the nation and as long as I am Pro Tem we are keeping it that way," concluded Gudger. "We are making an already great state even better."

The Chair of the Montgomery Country Executive Committee is Connier Grier.

The Patriot Award was awarded to Jim and Pat Wilson for their decades of service to the Montgomery and Alabama Republican Parties.

Matt Fridy's Facebook

Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Judge Matt Fridy, Pat Wilson, and Jim Wilson

"Jim and I both appreciate receiving this award," said Wilson.

Jim Wilson was appointed the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District in Alabama by President Ronald W. Reagan.

Sen. Barfoot said, "I have had the benefit of knowing Jim and Pat Wilson since at least Junior High."

Chey Garrigan

Senator Will Barfoot

"Yall were Republicans when Republicans weren't cool," said Sen. Barfoot. "Senator Gudger is my friend. We have had the privilege of serving with him."

"Senator Gudger was born and raised in Cullman County," said Barfoot introducing Gudger. "He played football at Samford University, then transferred to Auburn University. He is the owner of Southern Accents in Cullman." "He was elected as the youngest member of the Cullman City County where he served for 14 years – the last 10 years as head of the Council.

Gudger represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Marion, Cullman, and Winston Counties.

Chey Garrigan

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl addressing the Montgomery County Republican Executive Committee.

Chey Garrigan

Agriculture Commission candidate Corey Hill and Alabama Gazette Reporter Chey Garrigan

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