On Oct. 29, Auburn University College Republicans (AUCR) hosted its “Challenge the Chairman" event with Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) John Wahl. The event, held on Cater Lawn in somewhat rainy and cold conditions, began at 10:00 AM and concluded at 1:00 PM. AURC invited all students to their tent along the Thach Concourse so that they could ask questions of the Alabama Republican leader.
John Wahl, the event speaker, is the current chairman of the Alabama Republican Party and the youngest Grand Old Party (GOP) chair in the country. Wahl was re-elected for a third consecutive term in March of this year and has been actively involved in the Alabama Republican Party for a significant amount of time.
“Obviously, as a young person myself, although I’m not as young as [the] average college student, I still am facing those same challenges in life. You know, it’s the young people who are going to inherit Washington, D.C. And so, I think whatever their political perspective, whether it’s Republican, Democrat, Independent, they should be involved, and they should care about what’s happening right now because they’re going to get the country that’s being created as we speak,” Wahl said.
Chairman Wahl stated that he wants students to examine Republican values, because in his opinion, they serve their best interests. He believes that the Republican Party will allow them to thrive in this country on a personal and economic level.
“How do we have the economic prosperity to afford a house? You know, raise a family? They’re the ones who are going to struggle the most with the economic challenges facing our country right now. And then also the preservation of liberty and freedom. [The] Republican Party protects your rights,” Wahl said. “You don’t want a government that’s going to force you to get a jab. A government that doesn’t force you to have all these regulations, taxes and complications that just make your life harder.”
Before becoming Chairman, Wahl served in various roles, including ALGOP field director and eventually state senior vice-chair. In the 2020 presidential election, he represented the State of Alabama in the Electoral College and served on the transition team for U.S. Senator and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville. Wahl is a strong proponent of conservative values and the rights of every American.
In 2022, it was revealed that Wahl may have attempted to use a self-manufactured ID to vote in both the 2020 election and the 2022 primary, which led to speculation. Outside of politics, Wahl, who resides in Limestone County, is a small-business owner and dedicated lepidopterist, or one who studies and collects butterflies. Many of Wahl's butterflies end up in zoos, botanical gardens and exhibits all over the country.
“It is of vital importance that the chairman of the Alabama Republican Party interacts with students. We are the future of this state and the future of the party. In fact, many of the students he speaks with may go on to graduate and work in politics. If not, I am sure the vast majority of participants will vote," said Ty Torbert, vice president of AUCR.
AUCR is a group of like-minded students who seek to promote and advance conservative principles on Auburn’s campus and in the community. It also assists Republican candidates in elections at all levels across Alabama. Additionally, the organization invites political speakers for events and provides opportunities for its members to experience various aspects of the political process.
Torbert then explained what he hopes students can learn from taking part in this event and others like it.
“Through participating in this event, I hope that everyone will broaden their perspectives. We must learn to listen to others and engage in civil discourse. It is okay to disagree with each other, if we do so respectfully, and I hope that is a huge takeaway,” Torbert said. “It is essential to host an event like this right now. All around the nation, we are seeing a disheartening amount of political violence. Our country was built on the freedom of speech, and we should be able to do so without fear of violence. I believe this event will be a prime opportunity for students to see firsthand what civil debate looks like, especially among individuals who disagree with one another.”
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