Front row, from left: Madeline Priestley (Director of Members Services & Data), Annie Meissner (Director of Events and Finance) and Shannon Whitt (Chief of Staff). Back row, from left: Rudy Scott (Data Administrator), Jeannie Burniston (Director of Legislative Affairs & Communications), Rich Holt (Political Director), and John Wahl (Alabama Republican Party Chair). Photo courtesy of the Alabama Republican Party
Special to the News
The Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) has successfully completed Phase 2 of the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) three-phase GROW program (Growing Republican Organizations to Win), once again positioning Alabama as one of the first states to reach this milestone.
The program equips state parties with advanced strategies, tools and training to organize effectively, engage voters and secure election victories.
“Completing Phase 2 of the GROW program is no small feat,” said ALGOP Chair John Wahl, who also serves as RNC vice chair of the Southern Region. “This program is designed to be challenging and to push state party organizations to the next level, and our staff rose to the occasion. I’m proud to see Alabama leading the way once again among Republican states.”
Wahl continued, “Supporting grassroots efforts and making sure state parties are ready to engage with voters in key elections is one of the RNC’s top priorities this cycle. The level of commitment, focus and execution required to meet these standards is extremely high. Successfully completing this phase is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our team, and it ensures we are fully prepared to compete and win in 2026.”
ALGOP Chief of Staff Shannon Whitt added, “I couldn’t be prouder of our staff. Their hard work, long days and strategic thinking have not only allowed us to complete this phase, but have set us up for continued success as we head into 2026. They exemplify the very best Republican political minds in the country.”
Phase 3 of the GROW program will build upon this foundation, further strengthening the party’s ability to organize, mobilize voters and maintain Alabama’s competitive edge in the 2026 elections.
