The Alabama Republican Party announced Friday morning that it will allow press access to the hearing challenging Republican nominee for governor Tommy Tuberville, marking a change from earlier indications that the proceeding would be closed to the media.
At 8:07 a.m. Friday, ALGOP Chairman Scott Stadthagen notified members of the press by email that the Alabama Republican Party Candidate Committee will conduct a hearing regarding an election contest involving the party’s gubernatorial nominee on Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m. CDT.
APR previously reported Thursday that the hearing would be closed to the media, citing ALGOP insiders familiar with the matter.
The hearing centers on a challenge to Tuberville’s candidacy for governor. The challenge has placed renewed public attention on the party’s internal candidate-contest process and the question of how the party will resolve the dispute involving its nominee.
In the Friday email, Stadthagen said the party will allow credentialed press to attend the event. Press credentials are required for access, and the party said the press registration portal will close at 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 14.
The party also said Stadthagen will deliver its official statement following the hearing.
“Following the hearing, Chairman Stadthagen will deliver the Party’s official statement, which will make for the first public announcement of the Committee’s decision,” the notice stated. “The Chairman’s remarks will serve as the Party’s final determination and sole public response concerning the election contest.”
The announcement means members of the media will be allowed to attend Sunday’s proceeding, with the party’s formal decision expected to be announced afterward by Stadthagen.
The hearing is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m. CDT.
