Inside the GOP: Riley McArdle on Candidate Challenges and the 2026 Race ​

Staff Writer February 07, 2026

​In the latest episode of the BCS State of Alabama Podcast, hosted by the Alabama Political Contributor, Christopher M. Peeks and Brandon Moseley sat down with Riley McArdle for a deep dive into the internal mechanics of the Alabama Republican Party 0 seconds. As the Chairman of the College Federation of Republicans and a member of the Republican State Executive Committee, McArdle offered a rare look at the high-stakes decisions currently shaping the state's 2026 political landscape 30 seconds.

​The Sore Loser Rule: The Removal of Dean Odell

​A major focus of the interview was the recent removal of Dean Odell from the Republican primary ballot, which McArdle explains in detail at 528 seconds. He clarified that this was not a state law issue, but a strict enforcement of party bylaws. The Sore Loser rule prevents candidates who run as independents or write-ins after losing a GOP primary from returning to the Republican ballot for several years. According to McArdle, the evidence regarding Odell’s past write-in campaign was concrete, leaving the committee with no choice but to uphold the party's standards for loyalty 948 seconds.

​High-Profile Challenges: Wahl and Tuberville

​The conversation turned to residency and eligibility challenges involving state party Chairman John Wahl and Senator Tommy Tuberville at 1253 seconds. McArdle explained his decision—back on the committee—to vote against hearing the challenge to Wahl, citing a detailed response from Wahl’s legal counsel that satisfied the committee's questions. Regarding Senator Tuberville, McArdle noted that the challenge was dismissed unanimously due to a lack of evidence from the challenger 1655 seconds. He emphasized that the committee’s role is to call balls and strikes based on the facts provided, rather than acting as an independent investigative body.

​The Barry Moore Campaign and the Trump Factor

​Currently serving as the social media manager for Congressman Barry Moore’s U.S. Senate bid 2431 seconds, McArdle discussed the campaign's significant momentum following the endorsement from President Trump 2032 seconds. He attributed the campaign's strength to the work ethic of Barry and Heather Moore, noting they often outwork the competition by maintaining a grueling schedule of events across Alabama 1838 seconds.

​A New Generation of Leadership

​As McArdle prepares to graduate and step away from his role with the College Republicans, he expressed strong support for the party’s current direction under Chairwoman Joan Reynolds. He also hinted at the political future of Heather Moore at 2611 seconds, calling her the smartest person on the campaign and a talented communicator who could eventually be a formidable candidate in her own right.

​Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0dI3xBdMXMU