Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) chairman John Wahl said he will resign as chair if he decides to run for lieutenant governor in 2026.
Wahl told ALGOP State Executive Committee members in an email on Thursday night that he did not want the party's rules amended to allow him to take a leave of absence if he decides to run for lieutenant governor.
Congressional District 4 chair Bonnie Sachs started a petition with ALGOP officials on Wednesday to "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."
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."
Wahl said in a statement on Thursday night, "I am so grateful for the support of my fellow Republican Party members, but this was an easy decision for me. I believe leaders should not only avoid conflicts of interest, but even the appearance of one."
"Integrity matters more to me than any political position. I am committed to going above and beyond when it comes to following the Party's bylaws and standing rules," Wahl said.
Sachs said in a statement on Thursday, "The response to the petition has been incredible. I talked with a few friends and sent an email to the members of District 4. Within a day we already have over 100 signatures. John is so popular on the state committee, and members just hate to lose him."
"What he's accomplished for the state party is incredible. We've never had another chairman raise as much money or win elections like him. He's really brought the party together and always fights for conservative values. I'm sorry he's decided to resign if he runs for Lt Governor, but I respect that decision. I think he's got a lot of support if he does run," Sachs said.
Wahl said in a letter to ALGOP State Executive Committee members on Thursday night:
Dear SEC Members,
I want to take a moment to thank each of you who shared your input on the possibility of me running for Lieutenant Governor, and to address a petition that is circulating to amend the standing rules to allow the Chairman and Secretary to take a leave of absence if they run for office. I am thankful for the overwhelming support and encouragement I’ve received from the State Executive Committee.
I also want to thank those who took the time to work on the petition regarding a potential leave of absence. I’m truly grateful for your confidence in my leadership and the thoughtful effort so many of you put into gathering signatures to clarify the Party’s standing rules. That being said, as much as I appreciate the gesture, I do not want the Party’s rules to be amended on my behalf.
As I continue to prayerfully consider a run for public office, I want to be fully transparent about my intentions. If I decide to pursue elected office, I plan to resign as Party Chairman. I understand that more than 100 signatures have already been collected to amend the standing rules, but at my request, the organizers have graciously agreed not to submit them. My commitment has always been to put the Party first and to honor the trust of every member as we work together to uphold the values that made America great.
I have complete confidence in our Vice-Chair, Joan Reynolds, and believe she would do an outstanding job leading the Alabama Republican Party if I run. Her dedication, experience, and conservative values would serve us well.
And don’t worry—whatever decision I make, I will not be going away. There will always be opportunities for me to continue supporting the Party in different capacities. My commitment to advancing conservative values, electing our candidates, and defending the freedoms we hold dear is unwavering. No matter what the future holds, I will always be here to serve, to help, and to fight for the principles we believe in.
Thank you again for your continued support and for allowing me to be a part of this great team. I look forward to the road ahead.
In your service, John
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