MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Republicans have elected Terry Lathan of Mobile as chairwoman of the state party.
Lathan is a former schoolteacher who has worked 35 years in various leadership positions in the Mobile County GOP and the state executive committee.
She defeated former state Rep. Mary Sue McClurkin.
Lathan comes to the job with Alabama Republicans at a historical high point. The GOP holds every statewide office, supermajorities in the legislature and controls the state appeals courts.
An anti-tax advocate, Lathan also takes the helm as Republican Gov. Robert Bentley pitches a tax hike that many GOP activists oppose.
The Republican Executive Committee will continue with other officer elections later Saturday, including a secretary’s race that includes Kayla Moore, wife of state Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore.
