Alabama Republican Steering Committee rejects challenge against John Wahl

June 29, 2026 – The Alabama Republican Party released a statement following the decision to reject a primary contest against John Wahl by the Alabama Republican Candidate Committee without holding a formal challenge hearing.

The Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) Candidate Committee met on Sunday to review the primary election contest filed by Jarrod Schulte challenging the candidacy of John Wahl to be the Alabama Republican Party nominee for Alabama Lieutenant Governor.

The ALGOP in a statement said that, "Contrary to recent media reports, Mr. Schulte's filing was the only original Statement of Contest submitted to the ALGOP with the security for costs required by Alabama law to commence a primary election contest."

Schulte wanted the party to set aside the results of the June 16 Republican primary runoff and choose a new candidate for Lt. Governor.

Schulte insists that Wahl – who grew up on his family's farm in Limestone County – actually lives in Tennessee.

The ALGOP said that, "After reviewing Mr. Schulte's filing, the Committee determined that the Statement of Contest did not meet the requirements established under Alabama law for commencing a primary election contest. As a result, the Committee concluded that the Statement of Contest was not facially valid and that Mr. Schulte's contest should be denied and dismissed without conducting a hearing."

At one point, Wahl – who is single – had an apartment in Tennessee and a Tennessee driver's license.

Wahl – who is an Alabama butterfly farmer – maintains that his residence is in Alabama at the farm where he grew up.

The ALGOP candidate committee did previously agree to hear the residency challenge against U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) by his primary opponent Ken McFeeters. McFeeters challenged Tuberville's Alabama residency qualifications. That hearing was held two weeks ago and the Party found in favor of Tuberville.

The full 440 member Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee meets on July 31 to prepare for the general election.

Wahl was Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party from 2021 to 2026. He had previously served as Vice Chair of the ALGOP. He is scheduled to be married to his longtime girlfriend Britney Montgomery next month.

Sunday's decision in the Lieutenant Governor's clears the way for Wahl to be the party's nominee for Lt. Governor.

On June 19, Wahl won a Republican primary over Secretary of State Wes Allen 175,724 votes (56.99%) to 132,625 votes (43.01%).

Wahl faces State Representative Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) in the November 3 general election.

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