Alabama Republican Party selects Scott Stadthagen as Chairman of Alabama Republican Party

March 7, 2026 – HOOVER, Ala. – The Alabama Republican Committee met at the Winfrey Hotel to select a new party chairman. State Representative Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) won was chosen by the 440 members of the State Executive Committee.

"Thank you and I will not let you down," a jubilant Scott Stadthagen told the group. "I am extremely excited."

The candidates were former Secretary of State John H. Merrill, State Representative Scott Stadthagen, and acting Chairman Joan Reynolds.

The members voted with electronic clickers after rejected a motion by National Committeeman Bill Harris to use paper ballots.

The election was erroneously called for Stadthagen. After his victory speech, the people responsible for the election had to come back and admit that they were in error and there was indeed a need for a runoff after the error was discovered.

Merrill received 29% of the vote, 26% came in third, and Stadthagen finished first with 45% of the 396 votes cast.

Former Secretary of State John Merrill

Stadthagen then won the runoff with 62% of the votes.

Stadthagen promised that before each legislative session he would prepare a list of bills with the members of the state executive committee. He promised that he would work to pass those GOP priorities and would hold a reception during the session for legislators and state executive committee members following the passage of those bills.

Stadthagen stated that it is time for closed primaries in Alabama and promised to fight for that in the Legislature. "We want only Republicans voting in our primaries. They don't want us in their primary."

Republican Party Vice Chair Joan Reynolds

Former Chairman John Wahl resigned on January 23, 2026 as Chairman to run for Lieutenant Governor. Vice Chair Joan Reynolds then became acting Chairman.

Stadthagen was the House Majority leaders until being forced out recently in a power struggle with Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville).

Scott Stadthagen is a Republican state lawmaker from Hartselle who has become a prominent figure in Alabama politics, especially through his leadership roles and recent bid for higher influence within the state party. He currently represents House District 9 and has been a central organizer within the GOP caucus, known for his disciplined, business‑minded approach to legislation. He was elected House Majority Leader in 2023, a position he held until early 2026, when he stepped down to pursue the chairmanship of the Alabama Republican Party.

Stadthagen has represented House District 9 in Morgan County since 2019 after winning the 2018 Republican primary with more than 60% of the vote. He is the former owner of Hagen Homes Inc. Stadthagen sponsored HB 322 in 2022 - A bill restricting bathroom use for transgender students, later amended to limit classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades. He also sponsored HB 401 in 2023 - A proposal to restrict drag performances in public spaces where minors are present. The bill did not become law.

Stadthagen was born on August 9, 1977. He is a 2022 graduate of the University of West Alabama. He is active in Hartselle civic organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, and local economic development groups.

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