John Wahl of Lester was recently elected senior vice-chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, according to a press release from the Limestone County Republican Executive Committee.

Officials said Wahl’s election represents two historic firsts for Limestone County. He is the first Limestone County native to be elected state vice-chairman and he is now the highest-ranking Republican Party official to serve from Limestone County.

“I am excited about the chance to serve the people of Alabama as vice-chairman of the Republican Party,” Wahl said. “I look forward to working with the state party, our elected officials, and especially the people, to help our state be successful.

“The Republican party represents so many values that are important to the citizens of Alabama, and I am committed to helping defend and safeguard those values for future generations. The Republican Party needs strong leadership that will listen to the people and stand for what is right. I hope that my background as a small businessman in the private sector will bring a new and positive outlook to the political discussion around the state.

“I am a strong fiscal conservative. I believe we should balance our budgets and cut wasteful spending instead of raising taxes. I am also a strong social conservative who believes in defending our God-given rights.

“I ran for vice-chairman because I care about the future of our nation and I want to be a part of fighting for the conservative and constitutional values I believe in as a Republican. As a Christian, helping people and trying to make the world a better place is very important to me. Government’s first priority should be serving the people, and I hope we never lose sight of that.”

Wahl said he is thankful for the people of Limestone County for always being so supportive. He said he is proud to be from Limestone County and will do his best to represent the community well. He encourages those who have questions or ideas to contact him, adding he is always glad to get input.

“We are excited about the enthusiasm John brings to the ALGOP Steering Committee,” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Latham. “It’s been a pleasure to work with him in Limestone County. He will be a strong conservative voice for Alabama Republicans on our leadership team.”

All GOP state officers are elected by the full Republican State Executive Committee, with members from across the state participating. The election took place at the Alabama Republican Party’s winter meeting in Birmingham. The results were made public March 1 by the Limestone County Republican Executive Committee.

The senior vice-chairman is the second highest-ranked leadership position in the Alabama Republican Party, and the position is directly under the state chairman. The senior vice-chairman’s duties include taking over for the chairman should the need arise and serving on the state steering committee, the main governing body of the Alabama Republican Party.