Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl joined the Auburn University College Republicans (AUCR) to host a "Challenge the Chairman" event on campus this week.
"The Auburn College Republicans did an outstanding job making this event a success," said Wahl in a statement. "Their leadership and enthusiasm are inspiring, and I'm proud of the example they're setting for young conservatives across Alabama."
Over 30 students at Auburn braved the cold and rain during the three-hour event on Wednesday to discuss issues ranging from the economy and gun rights to education, free speech, and the role of government.
"I was incredibly encouraged by the number of students who showed up to have real conversations about the issues shaping our country," said Wahl. "What we saw yesterday was the best of what political engagement should look like — people coming together to ask tough questions, share their perspectives, and learn from one another in a respectful way."
"It is of vital importance that the chairman of the Alabama Republican Party interacts with students. We are the future of this state and the future of the party. In fact, many of the students he speaks with may go on to graduate and work in politics. If not, I am sure the vast majority of participants will vote," Ty Torbert, vice president of AUCR, told the student paper The Plainsman.
"Through participating in this event, I hope that everyone will broaden their perspectives. We must learn to listen to others and engage in civil discourse. It is okay to disagree with each other, if we do so respectfully, and I hope that is a huge takeaway," Torbert said.
"It is essential to host an event like this right now. All around the nation, we are seeing a disheartening amount of political violence. Our country was built on the freedom of speech, and we should be able to do so without fear of violence. I believe this event will be a prime opportunity for students to see firsthand what civil debate looks like, especially among individuals who disagree with one another."
"The Alabama Republican Party is not going to surrender our college campuses to liberal professors or one-sided ideology," Wahl stated. "We are going to engage with students, share our message, and make sure they understand what the GOP truly stands for — freedom, liberty, economic opportunity, and safety. Conservative values empower people to build their own futures and strengthen our communities, and that's a message young people deserve to hear."
The "Challenge the Chairman" series, launched by the Alabama Republican Party last year, was designed to encourage open debate and connect directly with college students through honest, face-to-face conversations about policy, leadership, and the principles that shape America's future.
The University of Alabama hosted two events on campus in November 2024 and April 2025.
According to their statement, the Alabama Republican Party plans to continue hosting "Challenge the Chairman" events on campuses across the state, encouraging civil debate and providing students with an opportunity to engage directly with party leadership.
"The future of our nation depends on informed, principled leaders who are not afraid to stand up for what's right," Wahl concluded. "That starts with students — and it starts with conversations like these."
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