MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Tuesday, Alabama Senate Republicans selected Senator Garlan Gudger from Cullman to take over as the Senate president pro tempore.
Following a private meeting, Republicans chose Gudger as their nominee for the influential role, which will be formally voted on by the entire Senate when lawmakers gather for the 2025 legislative session in February. With a significant majority of 27 out of 35 seats in the Senate, Republicans are well-positioned to install their choice.
The need for a new president pro tempore arises after the current officeholder, Greg Reed, announced he would resign to join Governor Kay Ivey’s administration. Senator Steve Livingston from Scottsboro also expressed interest in the role.
“I am grateful for the confidence and trust shown in me by my fellow Republican senators and will work to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard in the Senate’s proceedings,” Gudger stated in a press release. “By fostering unity and collaboration, and by rallying around our shared conservative principles, traditional values, and fundamental morals, we can enhance the greatness of our already wonderful state.”
Gudger first entered the Senate in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. Prior to his state-level political career, he served for 14 years on the Cullman City Council.
During the most recent legislative session, Gudger was behind the passage of Alabama’s law that places limitations on assistance concerning absentee ballot applications. Republicans argue that these restrictions are necessary to tackle potential voter fraud, specifically through practices described as “ballot harvesting”—the collection of multiple absentee ballots. Critics, however, view this move as an effort to hinder absentee voting.
Additionally, Gudger was part of a conference committee that sought to reach a consensus on lottery and casino legislation last year, aimed at resolving a 25-year deadlock over gambling laws. Unfortunately, the initiative failed as supporters could not overcome the stalemate within the Alabama Senate.
With this new appointment, Gudger will become the third Republican to lead the state Senate since the party gained a majority in 2010.