Paul Lee Elected New Alabama House Majority Leader

February 18, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - State Rep. Paul Lee of Dothan has been elected the new Majority Leader of the Alabama House of Representatives, stepping into one of the Legislature's most influential leadership roles for the remainder of the quadrennium. His election follows the resignation of former Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen of Hartselle, who stepped down to pursue the chairmanship of the Alabama Republican Party.

Lee, a Republican who has represented House District 86 since 2010, was selected by the Alabama House Republican Caucus during a Wednesday meeting in Montgomery. In remarks following his election, Lee emphasized continuity, focus, and the responsibility of guiding the caucus through the 2026 regular session.

"Our House Republican Caucus must keep its focus on the important issues and initiatives being discussed during the 2026 regular session and finish the job that each of us were sent to Montgomery to complete," Lee said. He added that the caucus must continue to represent "the conservative beliefs, traditional values, and bedrock Republican principles" shared by members and their constituents.

After Stadthagen's resignation the House Republican Caucus met to select his replacement. Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollinger's Island) had stepped in as interim Majority leader Thursday when Stadthagen had stepped down temporarily. Ultimately the caucus chose Lee over Brown.

A Veteran Legislator With Deep Committee Experience

Lee arrives in the Majority Leader role with extensive legislative experience. He currently chairs the House Health Committee - a position he has held for 16 years - and serves on the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee, which oversees more than $3.7 billion in annual appropriations for non‑education state agencies. He also sits on the Legislative Council, a joint body that oversees many of the Legislature's administrative functions.

Before joining the Legislature, Lee served on the Dothan City Commission from 2005 to 2010. His professional background includes a 31‑year career with Sony's Magnetic Tape Division, where he worked as a senior production specialist. He now serves as executive director of the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center in Dothan.

A Leadership Transition With Broader Implications

Lee's election comes at a pivotal moment for House Republicans as they navigate a busy legislative calendar and prepare for the 2026 election cycle. His predecessor, Stadthagen, had been a rising figure within the caucus before shifting his focus to the state GOP chairmanship race.

The Majority Leader plays a central role in shaping the House agenda, coordinating caucus strategy, and managing the flow of legislation - responsibilities that will place Lee at the center of debates on health policy, budgeting, and statewide priorities.

Looking Ahead

With more than a decade and a half of legislative experience, Lee is expected to bring a steady hand to the role. His long tenure on health and budget committees positions him to influence key policy areas as lawmakers continue work on state spending, healthcare initiatives, and regulatory reforms.

As the 2026 session continues, Lee's leadership will help determine how House Republicans navigate both internal priorities and statewide challenges.

The Legislature has faced heavy criticism in the last week over controversial legislation that would have stripped Alabama voters of their right to vote on their Public Service Commissioners.

(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.)