Changing of the Guard at the Alabama Republican Party

Friday afternoon saw not just the end of qualifying for the Alabama Republican primary, but a reorganization at the top of the Party as well.

Chairman John Wahl’s resignation to seek the Lieutenant Governor nomination saw Vice Chair Joan Reynolds move to the top spot 

Chair Reynolds spoke with ALpolitics.com shortly after the announcement was made, saying:

“I'm just excited that this day has finally come, and that I will be taking over his Chairman of the Republican Party. I will work very hard and I'll listen to people, regardless of what they have to say. I am excited and I look forward to starting another a year with this Republican Party.”

A statement released Friday evening by ALGOP emphasized Reynold’s extensive history and experience with the Party:

“Chairman Reynolds brings a deep well of experience and a proven track record of success to the position. A long-serving member of the ALGOP Steering Committee, she has held key leadership positions including Party Finance Chairman and, most recently, Vice Chairman, elected by the State Executive Committee in 2023. 

“As Finance Chair, Chairman Reynolds played a key role in assisting with fundraising efforts, fueling the Alabama GOP’s growth and record-breaking performance. Over the last five years, the Party shattered multiple fundraising records, built a strong donor network, and expanded its ability to support Republican candidates statewide. Chairman Reynolds’ command of campaign finance strategy ensures the Party’s momentum will continue without interruption. 

“She currently serves as Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party—a position she has held for the nearly 12 years—and previously led the Butler County GOP. Additionally, she had the honor of representingAlabama on the Platform Committee at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. 

“Chairman Reynolds is also the founder and head of the Mighty Alabama Strike Force, a nationally recognized grassroots organization that has mobilized thousands of volunteers from Alabama to knock on doors and turn out the vote in critical battleground states. Most recently, the Strike Force played a vital role in turning Georgia red for President Donald J. Trump in 2024. Their impact has been so strong that Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin personally credited the group with helping him secure his own victory. 

“ “Joan Reynolds is one of the most effective leaders in the Alabama Republican Party and one of the most respected Republican grassroots organizers in the country,” said ALGOP Chief of Staff Shannon Whitt. “She knows the organization inside and out and has been a trusted part of our operations for years. The Party is in excellent hands.” 

“ “I’m honored to step into this role and continue the important work our Party has been doing under Chairman Wahl’s leadership,” said Joan Reynolds. “We’re entering a critical election cycle, and I want our members, donors, and candidates to know that we are focused, organized, and ready. We have a strong team in place, and I’m looking forward to building on our momentum and securing Republican victories up and down the ballot in 2026.” “

In an email to the members of the Republican State Executive Committee, outgoing Chairman Wahl expressed his support for Reynolds and the Party’s personnel:

“While I will greatly miss serving as Chairman, I have complete faith and confidence in Vice Chairman Joan Reynolds and the outstanding ALGOP staff. Their leadership, professionalism, and commitment ensure that our Party remains in strong and capable hands.”

In her first communication to the State Executive Committee as Chair, Reynolds reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining the Party’s successes in the upcoming elections:

“Make no mistake: the Alabama Republican Party is ready—ready to support our candidates, ready to defend our values, and ready to deliver Republican victories up and down the ballot.”

The Republican primary election is scheduled for May 19.

For more information, visit ALGOP.org.