The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
The Shelby County Republican Party will host a U.S. Senate Candidate Forum on Monday, January 26, offering voters a direct opportunity to hear from the Republicans seeking their party's nomination for the United States Senate. The event, announced by party officials on January 19, is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Center, one of Shelby County's most accessible public venues.
Party leaders say the forum is designed to give voters meaningful insight into the candidates' priorities, policy positions, and visions for Alabama's future. With the 2026 election cycle already gaining momentum, the event is expected to draw strong interest from Republican voters across Shelby County and the surrounding region.
JT of Alabama's Morning News to Moderate
The forum will be moderated by JT, host of Alabama's Morning News on NewsRadio 105.5 WERC. Known for his fast‑paced interviews and ability to keep political discussions focused and engaging, JT is expected to guide the candidates through a range of issues facing both Alabama and the nation.
According to the Shelby County GOP, the format will allow each candidate to address key topics such as:
- National security
- Economic growth
- Border policy
- Energy and agriculture
- Federal spending and debt
- Issues uniquely affecting Alabama families
The party emphasized that the goal is to ensure voters receive clear, direct answers that help them make informed decisions ahead of the Republican primary.
Open to the Public and Encouraged for Voters
The Shelby County Republican Party is encouraging community members, grassroots activists, and Republican voters to attend. The event is open to the public, and party officials say they welcome supporters of all candidates.
In a statement, the party underscored the importance of civic engagement and informed participation in the electoral process. They noted that forums like this one strengthen both the party and the broader democratic system by giving voters firsthand access to the individuals seeking to represent them.
"Informed voters are essential to the strength of our party and our nation," the organization shared. "We want every Republican in Shelby County to have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and understand their priorities."
A Key Moment in Alabama's 2026 Senate Race
The 2026 U.S. Senate race is expected to be one of Alabama's most closely watched contests, drawing significant attention from voters, political organizations, and national observers. Candidate forums hosted by county parties often serve as early indicators of campaign momentum, message discipline, and grassroots enthusiasm.
Shelby County - one of the most reliably Republican counties in the state - plays an influential role in GOP primaries. Strong performances at events like this can help candidates build visibility, connect with local activists, and demonstrate their command of the issues.
With the primary season approaching, the January 26 forum marks one of the first major opportunities for voters to compare the candidates side‑by‑side.
Republican U.S. Senate candidates include: Dale Shelton Deas Jr., former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Congressman Barry Moore, rancher and businessman Rodney Walker, and former Tuberville aide Morgan Murphy. (Murphy has announced but has yet qualified to be on the ballot.)
Event Details
- What: U.S. Senate Candidate Forum
- Host: Shelby County Republican Party
- Date: Monday, January 26
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Pelham Civic Center
- Moderator: JT of Alabama's Morning News, NewsRadio 105.5 WERC
- Admission: Open to the public
The Republican Primary is on May 19.
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