Republicans Drop Tripp Powell from Ballot Over 2018 Donation to Walt Maddox

The Alabama Republican Party has dropped Tuscaloosa business leader Tripp Powell from its primary ballot for the State Senate District 21 race, likely sealing the nomination for incumbent Gerald Allen.

The decision, which was first reported by Tuscaloosa Patch here, allegedly came after someone in the party filed a ballot challenge over a $500 donation Powell gave to the campaign of Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox during a crowded 2018 gubernatorial primary race.

Maddox won the nomination, but ultimately lost the general election to incumbent Republican Kay Ivey.

The matter was decided at at Saturday meeting of the party's Candidate Committee.

Powell confirmed the party's Executive Committee disqualified him from the primary race Saturday.

“I deeply regret the action of the Party," Powell said in a statement. "I feel their actions were unjust and illogical. I am still processing the decision."

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Allen has held the seat since 2010 and barring a successful challenge from Powell, will be unopposed in the Republican primary and face Lake View Democrat Lisa Ward in the General Election later this year.

Powell sold his family's Powell Petroleum line of gas stations in 2020 and announced his intentions to seek the State Senate seat last November.

Powell said Saturday night he will appear on the Steve & DC Show on Tuscaloosa's 95.3 the Bear at 8:10 Monday morning to discuss the decision and possible next steps.

Stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for updates on this developing story as they become available.