Stadthagen is running for Alabama Republican Party Chairman

February 7, 2026 – House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) has launched his campaign to be the next Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. Already print materials are being circulated to Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee members urging them to vote for Stadthagen.

Scott Stadthagen serves as the Majority Leader of the Alabama House of Representatives, a role that places him at the center of legislative strategy for the Republican supermajority. Representing House District 9, which includes portions of Morgan County, he has built a reputation as a disciplined organizer who keeps members aligned on key priorities ranging from economic development to public safety. His background as a small‑business owner shapes much of his policy approach, emphasizing workforce readiness, regulatory predictability, and strengthening Alabama's business climate. Within the State House, he is known for his methodical style and his ability to translate broad caucus goals into actionable legislative plans.

Stadthagen has positioned himself as a voice for conservative governance rooted in local accountability. As Majority Leader, he continues to help shape the House's agenda during a period of rapid revenue growth and policy change in Alabama, guiding debates on issues that directly affect communities across the state.

The Alabama Republican Party was rocked on January 23 when longtime Chairman John Wahl abruptly resigned to run for Alabama Lieutenant Governor. Vice Chair Joan Reynolds automatically assumed the duties of Chair following Wahl's resignation.

Stadthagen was the sponsor of the Protect Women's Sports Act which barred biological males from competing in women's sports. He also sponsored the Bathroom & Privacy Protection Act which required that all students of Alabama K-12 schools use the bathroom that is appropriate for the biological gender there were born at.

Stadthagen has no Republican challenger in the May 19 Republican primary for his seat in the Alabama House of Representatives and no Democrat qualified to run against him in the general election. This means that if elected as ALGOP Chairman he can focus on electing Republicans statewide rather than re-election.

It is not known at this time whether or not Joan Reynolds – who also is the Shelby County Republican Chair and the head of the mighty Alabama Strike Forcce – will seek her own term as Alabama Republican Party Chair. Several candidates are being discussed as possible Stadthagen alternatives if Reynolds does not run.

The 440 members of the Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee will elect the new chairman next month at their annual Winter Meeting.

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