Profane Indifference: Ledbetter's Betrayal of Alabama Republican Principles

From the Alabama Republican Assembly in conference February 19, 2026

In a state where the Republican Party has long been synonymous with conservative values, family-first policies, and a staunch defense against liberal overreach, Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter's recent comments represent nothing short of a stunning betrayal. Leaked audio from a closed-door House GOP caucus meeting reveals Ledbetter declaring, "I could give a s**t about the Republican Party," exposes a dangerous rift between party loyalty and personal political maneuvering. This isn't just colorful language; it's an admission that the man who controls the gavel in Montgomery prioritizes his personal caucus's survival over the very party that propelled him to power.

The situation became even more contentious given the context during the meeting. The meeting focused on worries about House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen, who has decided to run for the ALGOP chairman role, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Stadthagen has stepped down as Majority Leader. It was initially thought that Rep Chip Brown — sponsor and driving force behind (HB392), changing how the members of the PSC were chosen from the electoral process to being appointed — would be replacing Stadthagen; however, the caucus has voted to place Rep. Paul Lee of Dothan as the next Majority Leader.

Attendees also discussed closed primaries, a reform grassroots Republicans support to stop Democratic crossover voting from weakening conservative candidates.

Why does Ledbetter oppose the move to closed primaries? He worries it could unseat some of his colleagues. But going so far as dismissing the ALGOP outright, as irrelevant, is a reach. This is not pragmatism, this pure and simple arrogance. Ledbetter appears to see the party as simply a means to keep control, not for principled leadership.

Ledbetter didn't build his career in a vacuum. He switched from Democrat to Republican after a failed 2010 run and rode the wave of the Tea Party rise of influence that transformed Alabama into a red stronghold. Now, as Speaker, he owes his position to the ALGOP's infrastructure, the volunteers, donors, and voters. To declare indifference to the party is to spit in the face of every conservative activist who believed in the GOP's mission. It's no wonder calls for his censure and expulsion are mounting.

Ledbetter's attempt to backpedal doesn't help. In a statement, he claimed his "priority has been and continues to be getting every Republican member of the Alabama House of Representatives reelected and growing the party's supermajority," but his actions will speak louder than his attempts at damage control. By resisting closed primaries, he's effectively protecting incumbents who might not survive a purer conservative vetting process, who benefit from the current open system that allows for Democratic crossover influences. This isn't about growing the party; it's about entrenching the status quo that prioritizes power over purity.

Alabama Republicans deserve better. The ALGOP isn't an abstract entity, it's the backbone of our state's resistance to federal overreach, woke ideologies, and economic socialism.

Ledbetter's remarks are not just accidental; they reflect a deeper problem in Montgomery, where those with dominant majorities become complacent and lose sight of the people who elected them.

If the Speaker truly "could give a s**" about the party, perhaps it's time for the party to give a s**t about finding a new Speaker. The upcoming ALGOP chairman election in March could be the catalyst for real change, closed primaries, renewed focus on core values, and leaders who actually care. Anything short of this would fail to properly recognize the hard work of those who helped establish Alabama's conservative movement.

On our next exposé we'll be covering - "Who's providing who with funding?'

John Rice, President East ALRA Chapter

Murray Edwards, Vice President ALRA

For more information, go to https://alabamarepublicanassembly.org