Changes Proposed to Alabama Republican Bylaws

Tonight, proposed amendments to the Alabama Republican bylaws are being shared, coinciding with John Wall’s campaign for Governor of Alabama in 2026 while he also serves as party chair.

Emails from Joan Reynolds, the Shelby County Republican Chair, indicate that a petition requiring 50 signatures is necessary to alter the provisions in Sections VII, Sections 2, and 5. This change will then be presented to the State Executive Committee (SEC) for a vote.

Reynolds urged, “Do this today if possible.”

As per the proposed changes, if the ALGOP chair or secretary opts to run for a statewide or legislative primary, they must either resign or take a leave during the campaign. The ALGOP Vice-Chairperson would assume responsibilities in such instances.

According to reports received, the push for these amendments has intensified, especially with less than a year remaining before the 2026 primary, emphasizing the necessity for continuity within the chairman’s role.

The petition highlights that under the ALGOP Bylaws, Sections 2 and 5, an email meeting will need to be convened to vote on these amendments, which clarify the guidelines for party officials seeking public office while allowing them to take a leave of absence during their campaign.

Yesterday, Wall circulated support measures for potential bids for Lieutenant Governor among members of the state executive committee.

In a statement, Wall clarified that he isn’t distancing himself from the petition, stating he is legally able to proceed as he sees fit.

“We know certain party members are circulating petitions to clarify if the chairman or secretary can take a leave. The current rules don’t explicitly forbid it, but there are doubts regarding the legality,” he noted.

The petition needs to reach 50 signatures before being submitted. If that threshold is achieved, SEC members will vote on whether to adopt the proposed changes, following established party procedures.

Wall expressed gratitude for the support received from SEC members over the years. He acknowledged that some may not want him to step away from his current role, but he emphasized the importance of his decision regarding public office.

Bonnie Sachs, District 4 Chair of the ALGOP Steering Committee, initiated the petition and raised questions about the leadership structure if Wall decides to run for governor, asking whether a special election would be necessary for the Vice-Chairperson and whether the Chairman is permitted to resign.

After discussions about the bylaws, it was determined that Article 7, Section 5 does accommodate electronic voting within the Executive Committee.

Current rules indicate that members can be consulted on matters requiring a state committee meeting, enabling email voting as a possibility.

If a vote is necessary and approved by the steering committee, voting can occur through certified mail or electronic means, requiring a majority of state board members to respond within a set timeframe to establish a quorum.