Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said he has not made a decision about whether to run for lieutenant governor but plans to do so soon after the party’s summer meeting in August.

Wahl said in a text message Tuesday night he was still considering the race.

Wahl, who has led the state Republican Party for five years, told the State Republican Executive Committee in June that he was trying to decide on whether to run.

“I wanted to reach out personally to let you know that I am seriously considering a run for Lieutenant Governor,” Wahl wrote in an email to committee members.

“This is not a decision I take lightly, and I am praying for wisdom and guidance.”

Four Republicans are in the race to succeed Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who is term-limited.

Two have won statewide races – Secretary of State Wes Allen and Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate.

Opelika Pastor Dean Odle, who ran for governor in 2022, and commercial real estate developer Nicole Wadsworth are also in the race.

The executive committee elected Wahl as chairman in 2021 and reelected him in 2023 and again this year.

Wahl is a butterfly farmer from north Alabama.

In his email to the executive committee last month, Wahl said that if he decides to run, he would step down as party chairman.

“While I hope to stay involved with the State Party in some capacity, the bylaws are not entirely clear on whether a chairman taking a leave of absence would satisfy the requirements outlined in our standing rules,” Wahl wrote.

The party’s summer dinner will be Aug. 1 at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Montgomery.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley will be the keynote speaker.

The primary is May 19, 2026.