John Wahl’s Ballot Eligibility Complaint Dismissed by ALGOP
Alabama State Party Candidate Committee dismisses residency challenge against John Wahl, allowing him to remain on the Republican primary ballot
The Alabama Republican Party’s Candidate Committee has dismissed a ballot challenge questioning John Wahl’s eligibility to run for Lieutenant Governor in the Republican primary, affirming that he meets the state’s constitutional requirements. The complaint had centered on Wahl’s residency history, including a second residence in Tennessee within the past seven years.
Wahl’s attorney, Bryan Taylor, praised the committee’s action Monday, highlighting the strength of the legal arguments his team presented. “We are pleased the Candidate Committee made the right decision in this case,” Taylor said. “Preliminary dismissal is a very high bar, and this decision reflects the strong legal arguments we set forth.”
Taylor noted that Alabama law and long-standing legal precedents make clear that maintaining a second residence does not disqualify a candidate. He said the only relevant legal question was whether Wahl had maintained residency in Alabama. “The facts overwhelmingly proved that he had,” Taylor said. “John was born and raised in Alabama and has continuously voted, paid taxes, and maintained a residence here.”
Wahl labeled the residency challenge as a politically motivated attack aimed at damaging his campaign. “This challenge was plainly filed as a political hit job to discredit and disqualify my campaign,” Wahl said in a statement. “It mirrors the same tactics recently used against Senator Tommy Tuberville and reflects the broader pattern of political warfare we’ve seen directed at President Donald Trump. Voters saw through those attacks, and they will see through this one too.”
Wahl, former Chair of the Alabama Republican Party and a native of Limestone County, stepped down from that role to pursue the Lieutenant Governor nomination. His campaign has focused on issues such as strengthening election integrity, improving the economy, and cutting taxes — priorities he says are central to the concerns of Alabama voters.
With the Committee’s ruling, Wahl’s name remains on the ballot as the Republican primary approaches. However, questions about his residency and past actions will likely continue to dog his candidacy, despite the Committee’s ruling. Additionally, the Committee’s ruling does not preclude legal action challenging Wahl’s ballot eligibility.
Wahl’s campaign website is https://votejohnwahl.com.
The full legal argument filed in support of Wahl is below:
