Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones alleges that the chairman of the Alabama Republican Party threatened to have him removed from the state party unless he publicly endorsed a specific candidate, raising questions about party rules and political endorsements ahead of the November 3 general election.

In a public statement, Jones described the alleged demand as “improper and unprofessional” and questioned whether it was consistent with the Alabama Republican Party’s bylaws.

Jones did not identify the chairman by name in his statement.

Scott Stadthagen is the current chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, according to the party’s official leadership page.

Stadthagen has publicly expressed support for Republican nominee Cam Hunt in the Lee County sheriff’s race. However, CNAW2News.com has not independently verified who allegedly made the threat or whether the alleged exchange occurred.

Jones said he has been a longtime Republican supporter, voting for Republican candidates and serving on both the Lee County and Alabama State Republican Party Executive Committees. He said he has followed and respected the party’s rules and bylaws throughout his service.

The sheriff questioned whether the alleged threat has a basis in the party’s bylaws and whether the same standard is being applied to other Republicans statewide. He also raised questions about whether other party leaders are aware of the situation.

“As Sheriff, I have defended the rights of the people under the Constitution of the United States,” Jones said, arguing that constitutional rights should apply equally regardless of political or party affiliation.

GOP Chairman Publicly Supports Hunt

The dispute comes months after Hunt defeated Jones in the Republican primary for Lee County sheriff.

According to the reported results, Hunt received 9,301 votes, or 50.84%, while Jones received 8,994 votes, or 49.16%. Hunt won the nomination by 307 votes.

In a social media post published four days before the report, Stadthagen publicly backed Hunt and urged Republicans to support the party’s nominee.

“Cam Hunt is the Republican nominee for Lee County Sheriff, chosen by the voters. I’m proud to stand with him on November 3rd,” Stadthagen wrote.

“If you’re a Republican, you support the nominee. If you’re putting out signs, make sure they have a disclaimer,” he added.

The public post establishes Stadthagen’s support for Hunt but does not independently confirm Jones’s allegation about a threat of removal from the party.

Grassroots Group Promotes Write-In Campaign

Following the Republican primary, a grassroots effort by Lee County residents began encouraging voters to write in Jones for sheriff in the November 3 general election.

A Facebook page titled “Write In Jay Jones for Lee County Sheriff” describes itself as an independent, citizen-run page that is not affiliated with Jones or his official campaign.

The page says it will provide information about Jones, community discussion, election updates and instructions for casting a write-in vote.
Jones addressed the effort in his statement, saying he is not involved with the grassroots campaign.

He said he has not solicited votes and has only explained the write-in voting process under the Code of Alabama when members of the public have asked him about it.

Jones maintained that explaining the voting process is not campaigning, but rather helping citizens understand their options under the law.

He said he hopes Lee County voters will support the Republican ticket but does not believe voters should be told they cannot choose another candidate when write-in voting is permitted by law.

“Everyone should receive equal treatment and that is non-negotiable,” Jones said.

What Happens Next?

Hunt remains the Republican nominee and is the listed candidate for Lee County sheriff on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot. The grassroots effort is encouraging voters to write in Jones instead.

The allegation involving the state party chairman remains unverified by CNAW2News.com. Jones did not name the individual in his statement, and Stadthagen’s public endorsement of Hunt does not establish that he made the alleged threat.

CNAW2News.com has not independently confirmed the alleged conversation or determined whether the action described by Jones is authorized under Alabama Republican Party rules.

CNAW2News.com will continue to follow developments in the Lee County sheriff’s race.