Scott Stadthagen

Gregory Scott Stadthagen Jr. is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives, representing the 9th district. A member of the Republican Party, he has been in office since 2018. In addition to his legislative duties, Stadthagen has held prominent leadership roles within the party, including serving as the majority leader of the Alabama House from 2022 until 2026. In March 2026, he was elected chair of the Alabama Republican Party. His legislative focus has included various bills addressing issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation, reflecting broader national trends in state-level politics.

Early life and career

Scott Stadthagen was born on August 9, 1977. He pursued higher education at the University of West Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2002. Following his graduation, he established a career in business by founding Hagen Homes Incorporated in 2005, a company he managed until he transitioned into politics in 2018. His business experience has likely informed his approach to legislative matters, particularly those related to economic development and fiscal responsibility.

In addition to his business endeavors, Stadthagen has been actively involved in local leadership roles within his community in Hartselle, Alabama. His contributions include serving as the Chair of the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, which plays a significant role in promoting local business interests and economic growth. He has also participated in the Economic Development group of Hartselle, which focuses on strategies to enhance the local economy. His memberships in various organizations, such as the Morgan County Builders Association, Hartselle Rotary, and Hartselle Kiwanis, demonstrate his commitment to civic engagement and community service. Furthermore, he has been involved with the Leadership of Hartselle Association, which aims to develop leadership skills among local residents and foster community improvement initiatives.

Legislative service

Stadthagen's political career began with his election to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2018, when he won the Republican primary for District 9 with a significant majority of the vote. Following his primary victory, he ran unopposed in the general election, securing his position in the state legislature. His tenure has been marked by a focus on issues that resonate with the Republican base, particularly concerning social policies.

In 2022, Stadthagen was re-elected to his position, further solidifying his role in the Alabama House. Following this election, he was selected by his Republican colleagues to serve as the majority leader of the House, a position he officially assumed in January 2023. As majority leader, he played a key role in shaping the legislative agenda and guiding the party's initiatives within the House.

Throughout his time in office, Stadthagen has sponsored and supported various pieces of legislation, particularly those addressing issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation. Notably, he introduced House Bill 322 in February 2022, which sought to implement restrictions on bathroom access for transgender students. The bill was later amended to include provisions that limited discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms for younger students. This legislation drew comparisons to similar laws in other states and sparked significant public discourse regarding its implications.

In April 2023, Stadthagen was one of the sponsors of House Bill 401, which aimed to prohibit drag performances in public spaces where minors were present. This bill sought to amend existing laws regarding obscenity and broaden the definition of "sexual conduct" to include drag performances. However, this proposal did not advance to become law.

In October 2023, Stadthagen received recognition from the American Legislative Exchange Council, which honored him as one of the top "50 under 50" legislators. This acknowledgment reflects his alignment with the organization's principles and values, which advocate for limited government and free-market policies.

In early 2026, Stadthagen announced his intention to run for the chair of the Alabama Republican Party following the resignation of the incumbent chair. He resigned from his position as majority leader to focus on this campaign. On March 7, 2026, he was elected as the chair, defeating notable opponents in the internal election.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of Alabama's 9th district, Stadthagen's policy focus has predominantly aligned with conservative values, particularly in the context of social issues. His legislative efforts have included a strong emphasis on measures that reflect the Republican Party's stance on gender and sexuality, which has become a focal point in contemporary American politics. This alignment with party ideology has been evident in the bills he has sponsored and supported during his tenure.

Stadthagen's district encompasses areas that may have varying demographic and socio-economic characteristics, which can influence the legislative priorities of its representative. His involvement in local organizations and community leadership roles suggests a commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of his constituents. Through his participation in the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce and other local groups, he has likely gained insights into the economic and social issues affecting the district.

In summary, Scott Stadthagen's legislative career has been characterized by a focus on conservative social policies and active engagement in local community affairs. His leadership roles within the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama Republican Party further illustrate his influence within the state's political landscape. As he continues to serve in these capacities, his actions and policies will likely remain a subject of interest in the ongoing discussions surrounding legislative priorities in Alabama.