John Wahl may not have to resign as Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) chairman to run for lieutenant governor in 2026 if the party's executive committee approves a recently proposed rule change.
According to a copy of a proposed petition sent to ALGOP officials on Wednesday, the amendment to the bylaws would “clarify the process of a party official running for public office and permit party leaders taking a leave of absence during a campaign."
Wahl has been “seriously considering” joining a crowded field of Republican candidates for lieutenant governor. He told ALGOP’s State Executive Committee members on Tuesday in an email, “While I hope to stay involved with the State Party in some capacity, the bylaws are not entirely clear on whether a chairman taking a leave of absence would satisfy the requirements outlined in our standing rules.”
Shelby County GOP chair Joan Reynolds told 1819 News on Wednesday the petition was requested by “one or more members of the committee.”
“I did NOT start a petition. I am encouraging members to sign the petition to allow the members to vote for a rule change allowing Chairman Wahl to either resign as Chair to run for Lt Governor or take a leave of absence," Reynolds said. "There cannot be a vote at all without 50 members signing the petition. Hope that clarifies some confusion. My understanding is that one or more members of the committee felt like Chairman Wahl had done a good job as Chair and they didn’t want to lose him in the event his campaign was not successful.”
Congressional District 4 chair Bonnie Sachs started the petition. Sachs said in an email to District 4 ALGOP members:
As many of you have likely seen, Chairman Wahl recently sent an email stating that he is considering a run for Lieutenant Governor. While this is an exciting prospect for both the Alabama Republican Party and the future of our state, our current bylaws and standing rules do not clearly outline how such a situation should be handled. Specifically, questions remain about the chain of command if the Chairman resigns: Does the Vice Chairman take over for the remainder of the term? Is a special election required? And is the Chairman permitted to take a leave of absence?
Over the past several days, I have spoken with legal counsel and fellow members of our State Executive Committee. We believe that the current standing rules do not explicitly forbid the Chairman from taking a leave of absence. In fact, we believe the rules could — and certainly should — allow for it.
It would be a major loss for the Alabama Republican Party if our interpretation of the standing rules forced John to resign permanently.
To eliminate any uncertainty, and in accordance with ALGOP Bylaws, ARTICLE VII, Sections 2 and 5, I am starting a petition to call for a special email vote to amend our standing rules. This amendment would clarify the process and permit the State Party Chairman to take a leave of absence during a campaign. Doing so will ensure there is no conflict of interest while respecting the right of our Party leaders to serve Alabama — just as we do for other elected officials.
If you support amending the rules to clarify this important issue, please sign the petition today:
https://www.jotform.com/form/251635714148155We routinely allow Secretaries of State, Probate Judges, and other public officials — many with far more direct authority over elections — to remain in office while running for re-election or higher office. In those cases, they delegate election-related responsibilities to ensure fairness. Why should our own Party officers be held to a stricter standard? A complete leave of absence would go even further than what is required of those officials and would eliminate any potential conflict of interest.
Chairman Wahl and Joan Reynolds have worked tirelessly to build and revitalize the Alabama Republican Party. Under their leadership, the ALGOP has become one of the most effective, organized, and principled state parties in the country. John should not be forced to choose between continuing his service to the Party or pursuing elected office simply because of a technicality or unclear standing rule.
I hope you will join us in supporting this important clarification to our standing rules. It’s the fair, principled, and conservative thing to do.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Sachs
Wahl said in a statement to 1819 News on Wednesday, “I am aware that some members of the State Party are circulating a petition to clarify whether the ALGOP bylaws allow the Chairman or Secretary to take a leave of absence. While the current standing rules do not prohibit a leave of absence, and the Party’s legal counsel believes it would be permitted, I wanted to hold myself to a higher standard. That’s why I informed the State Executive Committee that I planned to resign if I ultimately decide to run.”
“That said, this petition would require 50 signatures before it can be brought forward. If that threshold is met, it will be up to SEC members to vote on whether to adopt the proposed clarification. This process is consistent with the Party’s procedures as outlined in the bylaws,” Wahl said. “I deeply appreciate the support SEC members have shown me over the years. I know some would prefer not to see me leave this role, and that means a great deal. However, it’s important to remember that I have not yet decided whether I will run for public office—let alone whether I would take a leave of absence or resign if I do.”
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