Joan Reynolds announced that she will run for Republican Party Chair setting up a floor fight with Stadthagen

February 8, 2026 – HOOVER, Ala. – Alabama Republican Party Chairman Joan Reynolds wasted no time in announcing that she would seek her own term as Chair just hours after House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen announced that he wanted the job.

Reynolds was elevated to Republican Party Chairman on January 23rd when former Chairman John Wahl abrupted resigned to run for Lieutenant Governor.

Reynolds announced her candidacy in an email to the 440 members of the Alabama Republican State Executive Committee.

"As you are aware, I have been serving as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party for the last several weeks following Chairman John Wahl's resignation to run for Lieutenant Governor," Chairman Reynolds wrote. "At this time, I would like to announce that I am running to continue in that role, and I respectfully ask for your vote at our State Executive Committee meeting on March 7 in Hoover."

Reynolds emphasized how well the party has function in the 16 days that she has served as Chairman.

"This transition has been seamless because it reflects continuity," said Reynolds. "Since my election as Vice Chairman, I have been a regular presence at headquarters, working closely with our staff and supporting the daily work of the Party. In the middle of an active election cycle, we need steady, proven leadership; not uncertainty or experimentation."

Reynolds has held a number of roles in the state party including: vice chair, finance chair, head of the mighty Alabama Republican Strike Force, Shelby County Republican Party Chair, and Butler County Republican Party Chair. She is married to Paul Reynolds who was the longtime Alabama Republican Party National Committeeman, so Reynolds is a known commodity both in state and national circles.

"Many of you know my work as ALGOP Finance Chair, where we achieved record-breaking fundraising that directly translated into results. Over the last two election cycles, those resources helped Republicans pick up 90 seats across the state - many of them in areas where Republicans had never been able to compete before," continued Reynolds. "I have also served as County Chairman in both Butler and Shelby Counties, helping move Butler County away from its Democratic roots and leading Shelby County, now in my twelfth year as Chairman."

"I have always served our Party with integrity, consistency, and a deep sense of responsibility," Reynolds concluded. "My focus has never been personal ambition, but protecting and strengthening the Alabama Republican Party and keeping it focused on winning elections. I ask for your support and your vote as we continue this important work together."

Some members of the State Republican Executive Committee have expressed reservations to the Alabama Gazette about both Reynolds and Stadthagen. They say that they would prefer a change of direction in leadership at the party and are concerned about Reynolds' age; however they are also concerned that putting the Majority Leader of the Alabama House of Representatives (Stadthagen) in charge of the Alabama Republican Party would be giving the House Republican Legislative Caucus to much control over the grassroots of the party. Some of these executive committee members have reportedly reached out to former Party Chairman Terry Lathan, but she refused to make a political comeback. There is still the possiblity that a third candidate get still announce.

The 440 members of the Republican State Executive Committee will have to elect new a new Chairman and Vice Chairman at their Winter Meeting March 7.

To comment or ask a question email brandonmreporter@gmail.com