Alabama Senate Elects New Leader for 2025 Legislative Session

On the first day of the 2025 legislative session, the Alabama Senate unanimously elected Sen. Garlan Gudger as the new Senate president pro tempore. Gudger, from Cullman, Alabama, was confirmed with a 33-0 vote.

In his acceptance speech, Gudger addressed key priorities, including tackling illegal immigration by considering bills targeting undocumented immigrants with arrest warrants or criminal charges. “We must turn back the flood of illegal immigration that erases our borders, strains our cities, and drains our resources,” Gudger stated.

Additionally, Gudger vowed to focus on improving education and addressing crime, ensuring that every child, regardless of their zip code, has access to quality education.

Gudger steps into the role after former Senate Pro Tempore Greg Reed’s resignation to join Gov. Kay Ivey’s administration. Gudger, elected to the Senate in 2018, brings years of experience, having served 14 years on the Cullman City Council. He also stressed his commitment to working with both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, emphasizing that good ideas transcend party lines.