The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Stan Cooke
February 13, 2026 - Sumiton, Ala. - Pastor Dr. Stan Cooke formally announced his candidacy for Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, presenting himself as a unifying conservative voice at a moment when internal tensions have challenged party cohesion. His campaign centers on restoring trust, strengthening grassroots engagement, and advancing President Donald Trump's America First agenda across Alabama.
Cooke, a longtime pastor and international ministry leader, said the party must refocus on shared values and disciplined leadership to remain effective in 2026 and beyond.
"The Alabama Republican Party must be strong, united, and focused on winning," Cooke said in his announcement. "Our mission is too important to be distracted by internal division. As Chairman, I will work tirelessly to bring our party together under shared conservative principles, support President Trump's America First agenda, and ensure that our state party operates with honesty, transparency, and integrity."
A Background Rooted in Faith, Service, and Leadership
Cooke has served as Pastor of the Kimberly Church of God for 22 years and brings more than four decades of ministerial leadership to the race. He is also the Founder and President of Abraham's Promise, an international Christian mission organization that supports humanitarian and educational initiatives in Israel, Jordan, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador, and the Palestinian Territories.
His global work has focused on promoting democracy, free markets, religious liberty, and human rights-efforts he has carried out for more than 30 years. Beyond ministry, Cooke spent 21 years in business and management roles, giving him experience in both nonprofit and private‑sector leadership. He worked his way through college in warehouses and coal mines, becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree and later a Ph.D.
Cooke holds degrees from Lee University, The Jewish‑Christian Institute, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham / University of Alabama dual degree program, with academic work spanning Theology, Physical Science, Biblical Studies, Education Leadership, and Higher Education Administration.
A Call to Rebuild Trust and Strengthen the Grassroots
Cooke's message emphasizes unity, conservative values, and renewed confidence in party leadership.
"As Republicans, we believe in limited government, fiscal responsibility, faith, family, and freedom," he said. "But we must also believe in each other. We win when we stand together. My goal is to rebuild trust within our party, strengthen our county organizations, support conservative candidates at every level, and ensure that Alabama remains a stronghold for conservative leadership."
He also pledged to spend the coming weeks meeting with county chairs, grassroots activists, and party leaders across the state.
Family and Community Ties
Cooke is married to Linda Michelle Cooke, a Word Processing Specialist at Burr & Forman LLP in Birmingham. They have two daughters, Heather Cooke Hill and Heidi Cooke O'Donnell, both Occupational Therapists.
Looking Ahead
Cooke says his campaign will focus on restoring unity and purpose within the Alabama Republican Party.
"Our party belongs to the people," he said. "It is time to refocus, recommit, and move forward together."
Cook has previously run for Congress, state Auditor, Lieutenant Governor, and Treasurer of the Alabama Republican Party without success.
He faces stiff competition from state Representative Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) and interim Chair Joan Reynolds.
The Republican State Executive Committee will vote on the Chairman position at their summer meeting in March.
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