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In the News
Gudger details efforts to honor veterans
November 8, 2025
As Veterans Day approaches, Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman on Thursday, Nov. 6, said he and his fellow lawmakers continue working hard to honor the service of those who once wore our nation’s uniform, those who wear it today and the dependent family members who support them throughout their duties.
Jay Hovey, Josh Carnley elevated to Vice Chairman roles of two key Alabama Senate committees
October 30, 2025
On Thursday, Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger appointed State Sen. Josh Carnley (R-Ino) as Vice Chair of the Senate State Government Affairs Committee and Sen. Jay Hovey (R-Auburn) as Vice Chair of the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee.
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“Though Sen. Carnley is a freshman legislator, he has already proven that he has the skills, talents, and abilities necessary to help lead such an important and influential committee,” Gudger (R-Cullman) said.
Legislative leaders laud reduction in overdoses, credit use of opioid settlement funds
October 28, 2025
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger are lauding a new report showing drug overdoses in Alabama have fallen by 30% over the last year.
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On Friday, the Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds met for its quarterly update when its chairman, Rep. Rex Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, shared news of the dramatic drop in overdoses.
P&CMA endorses Alabama legislative leaders, Speaker Ledbetter and Pro Tem Gudger, for re-election in 2026
October 9, 2025
The Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama (P&CMA) has endorsed two of the state’s top legislative leaders, Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger, for re-election,
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They recognized their leadership and longstanding support of Alabama’s small business community, energy independence, and pro-growth policies.
September 4, 2025
On Thursday morning, Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) endorsed Coach Tuberville for Governor of Alabama in 2026, speaking to their shared conservative principles, commitment to Alabama values, and dedication to economic growth and job creation.
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“I look forward to working with my friend Senate Pro Tem Gudger to advance commonsense policies for Alabama,” U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) said.
Gudger presents additional $1M to Cullman County Schools
August 6, 2025
Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, on Wednesday presented a check for $1 million in additional State funds to Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette and members of the Cullman County Board of Education.
“The first day of school is always special across Cullman County, and it is made even more special this year with an additional $1 million in education funding that we brought home from Montgomery,” Gudger said.
‘I’m listening’: Gudger promises full repeal of controversial Smith Lake bill to heal division in Cullman County
August 4, 2025
State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) announced Friday that he is taking steps to repeal SB322, a bill passed earlier this year that would have allowed non-contiguous annexation to support potential resort development near Smith Lake.
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In a video posted to his social media channels on Friday, Gudger said the bill had become a divisive issue across his district, overshadowing other community priorities and generating widespread public concern.
Gudger files legislation to repeal resort development and annexation
August 1, 2025
Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, has pre-filed legislation for the 2026 regular session that will repeal Senate Bill 322, block the annexation of land and prevent the creation of a community development district for a proposed resort project on Smith Lake. Gudger is expected to officially announce the move on Saturday.
Garlan Gudger reports raising $1.8 million for Alabama Senate leadership PAC
July 2, 2025
In just over seven months since forming a new political action committee to support the GOP supermajority in the Alabama Senate, President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger reported on Wednesday that it has already raised a war chest of nearly $1.8 million. FORGE PAC, first registered in November of 2024 following Gudger’s election by the Alabama Senate GOP Caucus to serve as pro tem, posted its latest monthly filing, showing a $1,684,622.08 total balance stacked on top of numerous major contribution reports throughout 2025.
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Today, Gudger reports a total of $1,789,800 in contributions raised is an astronomical figure that is likely a record-setter of its kind.
BCA Endorses Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter for Re-Election and Continued Legislative Leadership
July 1, 2025
ProgressPAC, the political affiliate of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), today announced its endorsement of Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter for re-election to the Alabama Legislature and in their respective leadership roles.
ProgressPAC’s board of directors, a group of Alabama business leaders committed to promoting pro-jobs and pro-growth policies across the state, approved the endorsement.
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“Pro Tem Gudger and Speaker Ledbetter have demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing policies that strengthen Alabama’s economy, workforce, and business climate,” said Helena Duncan, President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama.
Garlan and Heather Gudger answering a higher calling on mission trip to Uganda
January 27, 2025
With just a week remaining before the Alabama Legislature is called into regular session in Montgomery, Senate President Pro Tem-designate Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and his wife, Heather, are busy answering an even higher calling 8,000 miles away.
Snow was in the forecast when the couple departed Alabama on January 20, but much different conditions were awaiting when they reached their destination in Uganda.
Garlan Gudger elected by Alabama Senate Republican Caucus to succeed Greg Reed as President Pro Tempore
December 3, 2024
Members of the Alabama Senate Republican Caucus elected State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) on Tuesday to step into the role of President Pro Tempore following the exit of State Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper) from the spot in November. The internal caucus vote held among the 27 Republican elected members of the Alabama Senate made a choice between Gudger and current Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro).