Republican candidate roundtable brings statewide political focus to Franklin County

When candidates from across Alabama converged upon the Frog Pond Community Center on February 10th, it was a bit surreal to see the eyes of Alabama politics fixated upon Franklin County, but thanks to the work of the Republican Women of Franklin County Alabama (RWFCA) that’s exactly what happened.

The first of two Candidate Roundtables, organized and hosted by the RWFCA, was more than just an event for local county candidates in the May 19, 2026, primary election. Republican candidates for all federal, state and county offices were sent invitations to attend one or both of the events, with the second one set for April 14, 2026.

The responses started with a few confirmations, and grew from there, with 12 candidates confirming for the February 10th roundtable.

They included Republicans running for United States Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, governor, Secretary of State and more.

Denel Wardell, RWFCA President, said the format of the Roundtable allowed Franklin County voters to interact personally with each candidate. Voters were seated at tables and asked to remain at the same table through the event. Candidates rotated among tables, spending approximately five minutes with voters at each table, before moving to the next table when the cow bell sounded.

“This gave everyone a chance to hear from each candidate,” Wardell said. “There was a mix and mingle before the start of the candidates speaking. It was a fun and informative evening for voters.”

Wardell said candidate commitments to attend the April roundtable have already surpassed the first one. In addition to commitments from more federal and state candidates, the April event will include most all county candidates, most of whom chose to wait until the later date to address voters.

And the success of the February roundtable led to something ‘unexpected and awesome,’ Wardell said, as she received two sponsorship commitments for April. This will allow the RWFCA to rent a larger venue with the anticipated increase in candidates and members of the public. 

“We never even thought about sponsorships for the events,” Wardell said. “We had about 3:1 ratio of public to candidates and I’m sure we’ll have more participation in April, since we have many more well-known candidates coming to that one, like Lieutenant Governor candidate John Wahl and United States Senate candidate Morgan Murphy.

“Plus, almost all the county level candidates will be there. All five county commissioner candidates (for District One) and both Franklin County Sheriff candidates are already committed,” she added.

Wardell expects anywhere from 18-25 candidates on April 14th, and the RWFCA is looking into several larger venues to accommodate more people.

Last fall, the Franklin County Democratic Executive Committee hosted a United States Senate forum for the three Democratic candidates. All three attended the event held at the A.W. Todd Centre. It was a first-of-its-kind event that saw all candidates for a federal primary come to Franklin County for a candidate event.

Similarly, the Republican Women’s candidate roundtables are a new concept locally. While candidate events have taken place in Franklin County for decades, the magnitude of the roundtables and the tremendous response from candidates was a first.

Candidates who attended the February 10th RWFCA Roundtable included:

—United States Senate candidate Seth Burton, United States House of Representatives candidates Tommy Barnes and Caroline Aderholt, wife of Congressman Robert Aderholt, Governor candidate ‘Alabama’ Will Santivasci, Lieutenant Governor candidates Pat Bishop and Rick Pate, Secretary of State candidate Christopher Christian Horn, State Auditor candidate Derek Chen, Public Service Commission Place Two candidate Brent Woodall and Franklin County Coroner candidates Charles Adcox and Jeff Clark.

Feedback from candidates indicated they enjoyed the event and the opportunity to visit with Franklin County voters.

“I had an amazing time with the Republican Women of Franklin County in Spruce Pine Alabama Tuesday evening at the candidate round table,” said Lieutenant Governor candidate Pat Bishop. “Several voters stated they are troubled by the issues facing this state with the lack of honor and integrity! 

“For whatever reason, the media and some candidates for offices feel like whoever has the most money is the front runner and presumptive winner. I will always put it in the hands of the individual voter,” Bishop added.

Candidates were not endorsed by the RWFCA as the group’s policy does not allow for endorsements during a party primary.

The April 14th event is free and open to the public. Information on the location will be posted once a venue is confirmed.

For more information on the April 14th roundtable and on the RWFCA in general, join their Facebook group by going to http://facebook.com/groups/RWFC.AL.