ALGOP Candidate Committee Issues Decision on Primary Contest

From the Alabama Republican Party

June 29

HOOVER, Ala. – The Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) Candidate Committee met on Sunday to review the primary election contest filed by Jarrod Schulte concerning the candidacy of John Wahl to be Lt. Governor. 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.

A contest of a primary election is a serious and extraordinary legal undertaking that seeks to set aside the results of a popular election, and Alabama law lays out strict criteria that must be met in order to institute one, including those outlined in Ala. Code §§ 17-13-70 through 17-13-89.

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.

The ALGOP remains committed to transparency and following the legal procedures that govern Alabama elections, including contests of those elections.