John Merrill addresses the St. Clair County Republican Party

February 24, 2026 – PELL CITY, Ala. – Former Secretary of State John H. Merrill (R) addressed the St. Clair County Republican Party at their regular February meeting. Merrill is one of four candidates for Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.

"Only member of the state Republican Executive Committee can vote," for Chairman Merrill explained. "The people of St. Clair County have always been so good to me."

"I started in the Tuscaloosa County party," said Merrill. "First I was the Secretary. I served as our chairman then I got elected to the Legislature."

In the Alabama House of Representatives, "I passed 12 bills that became law," explained Merrill. "I was elected the most effective member."

Merrill was elected Alabama Secretary of State in 2014.

"I was the only Republican Secretary of State to complete two terms," said Merrill.

Merrill said that Alabama was recognized by organizations including the Heritage Foundation and the University of Southern California for having the most secure elections in the country.

"I have visited all 67 counties in the state for the last 14 years in a row," said Merrill. "If I am elected I will continue to do that."

"You will see me in St. Clair County," as Chairman Merrill concluded.

The 440 members of the state executive committee have to decide who is the next Chairman when they meet on March 7. The candidates are: Merrill, Stan Cooke, Joan Reynolds, and state Representative Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle).

The position became vacant when Chairman John Wahl resigned to run for Lieutenant Governor.

Deborah Howard reported that the St. Clair County Republican Party Annual dinner is set for Thursday April 23.

"Wesley Britt will be our speaker," said Howard. This year's event will be held at Mathews Manor in Argo.

"We have contacted State and local candidates," for sponsorships said Howard. "We need sponsorships. We already have four statewide candidates who will come. There will be lots of fun good food and big crowds."

State Board of Education member Marie Manning said, "The Republican Women of St. Clair County - we have revamped our Republican women. We have redone the meetings."

"We have around forty folks at each meeting.," said Manning.

Manning said that the St. Clair Republican Women, the St. Clair County Republican Party, and the St. Clair Young Republicans will have a joint meeting with food served before the Republican primary election. U.S. Senate candidate Steve Marshall will be the speaker.

St. Clair County Young Republicans Chair Aaron Lornnergan said, "At our last meeting, we had over 50 people there. We had over a dozen candidates come and spoke. Our next meeting will be on March 12th. (U.S. Senate candidate) Jared Hudson and (Alabama House District 50 candidate) Bryan Newell will be the speakers. There is a new location. – O'Sherry's Pub in Moody.

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