MONTGOMERY, Ala. – State Rep. Chip Brown, R-Mobile, confirmed on Sunday he’s the new acting House Majority Leader as Rep Scott Stadthagen, who was elected to the role in 2022, steps aside to run for chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.
Stadthagen’s decision was announced during a caucus meeting Thursday after rumors began to surface of his interest in the ALGOP chairmanship, which was recently vacated by John Wahl to accommodate his run for lieutenant governor.
As vice chair of the caucus, Brown automatically elevates to acting majority leader.
“Last week, the House Republican Caucus met to discuss the former majority leader’s decision to run for chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. As a result of this meeting, Rep. Stadthagen will take a leave of absence until the party elects its next chairman,” Brown confirmed to ADN in a statement.
“In 2024, I was elected by my Republican colleagues to serve as vice chairman of the House Republican Caucus. A core responsibility of this position is to serve as interim majority leader under circumstances like these. I am proud to step up as interim majority leader during this critical Legislative Session and remain fully committed to supporting my colleagues as they work to make Alabama an even better place to call home.”
Stadthagen did not return multiple calls from Alabama Daily News. Running for or even becoming ALGOP chairman would not require Stadthagen to give up his House seat.
A post from 1819‘s Caleb Taylor about the caucus meeting included a recording of House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter telling members he “could give a shit” about the state party and that members’ focus should be on legislative success and winning elections.
Ledbetter told ADN the context of his comment was prioritizing the reelection of current House GOP members and adding new ones in 2026 over party leadership races. Traditionally, the House majority leader oversees caucus re-election efforts as a primary responsibility.
“My priority has been and continues to be getting every Republican member of the Alabama House of Representatives reelected and growing the party’s supermajority,” Ledbetter said. “When you’re Speaker, House Republican elections come first, and any other race – as important as they are – come second. I wholeheartedly support the Republican Party and am proud to champion all efforts to promote conservative leadership and policies in our state. Our record is proof of that.”
Joan Reynolds, who was ALGOP vice chair until last month when she became acting chair, is also seeking the top leadership role.
The party will meet in early March to make a decision.