Hours after Alabama Political Reporter detailed a coordinated political campaign targeting Republican incumbents across the state, a newly issued press release has identified a previously undisclosed figure publicly claiming a leadership role in the effort.
In a statement released Tuesday, former state Senator Dell Hill announced that he had launched Alabama Values PAC, the political action committee responsible for a series of attack mailers, websites and text messages aimed at at least five GOP incumbents ahead of the Republican primary.
“I am proud to announce the Alabama Values PAC,” Hill said in the release, describing the group as focused on promoting “traditional Christian principles” and opposing policies he characterized as harmful to the state.
Hill’s public claim introduces a new element to the PAC’s structure. According to a Statement of Organization filed with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office, Alabama Values PAC lists Thomas Datwyler as both chairperson and treasurer. Datwyler, a Wisconsin-based operative, has been involved in political committees and campaign finance operations across multiple states.
The filing does not reference Hill.
APR previously reported that Alabama Values PAC began distributing coordinated political attacks targeting Republican incumbents Matt Simpson, Greg Albritton, Andrew Jones, Frances Holk-Jones and Phillip Pettus. Each of the targeted lawmakers supported legislation that would have allowed Alabama voters to decide the issue of gambling expansion.
A review of the PAC’s materials shows consistent messaging across multiple platforms, including opposition to gambling expansion and criticism of legislation related to in-state tuition eligibility for undocumented students. Similar language appears in Hill’s statement announcing the PAC.
Hill, a Talladega County native, served approximately seven years in the Alabama Senate and later as Talladega County probate judge. He has longstanding ties to Alabama’s agricultural community, including leadership roles within the Alabama Farmers Federation, one of the state’s most influential political organizations.
The Alabama Farmers Federation has denied any involvement with Alabama Values PAC.
The PAC’s funding sources have not yet been disclosed. Under Alabama law, Alabama Values PAC is not required to file its first detailed campaign finance report until early May. Until that filing is made, the financial backing of the group remains unknown.
Several individuals connected to the targeted races have also denied any knowledge of the PAC’s activities.
The emergence of a longtime Alabama political figure publicly associated with the PAC, alongside an out-of-state operative listed in official filings, adds to the evolving picture of a coordinated campaign whose funding and full structure have yet to be disclosed.
