Get ready, ChumCity! As the 2026 elections loom, all eyes are on the young voters of Alabama. Are they about to shake things up in the Yellowhammer State? It's not just talk this time, folks. Pols are putting their money where their mouth is, especially Secretary of State Wes Allen who's running for Lieutenant Governor. His campaign just snagged Brilyn Hollyhand, chair of the Republican National Committee’s Youth Advisory Council, as his Statewide Youth Campaign Coordinator. That's a bold move, showing just how important the youth vote is seen to be. Hollyhand's job? To light a fire under young conservatives, build campus coalitions, and generally amplify Allen’s conservative cred. Big moves! And the timing is right. The youth vote in Alabama swung from R+7 in 2020 to a whopping R+15 last November! Hollyhand is riding that wave, aiming to replicate the success he had with Trump’s team. According to Hollyhand, the young crowd wants "new younger blood in Montgomery," pointing to Allen as the youngest of the Lieutenant Governor hopefuls. It's all about that "America first, Alabama first" vibe, he says. But there's an even bigger play: turnout. Alabama's youth voter turnout was a dismal 14.7% in 2022. Hollyhand sees that as opportunity. "I was frustrated," he says, aiming to boost those numbers by hitting up every public university and engaging with groups like College Republicans and Turning Point USA. His advice to young Alabamians looking to get involved? "Start conversations!" Whether it's chatting with classmates or joining a campus club, get in the game! He agrees: this cycle will be different. Young people are realizing, "'actually this isn’t just my parents’ America, this is my America.'" And specifically, Hollyhand predicts more young people will pay attention to the Lieutenant Governor race. In a final thought, Hollyhand hinted that this same strategy could be used in various campaigns accross the state, including for the Senate seat, noting that all the potential candidates seem to be younger. A "next generation" with Katie Britt and Wes Allen. So, keep your eyes peeled, ChumCitizens. Alabama's young voters might just be calling the shots in 2026!Youth Vote to Play Kingmaker in 2026 Alabama Elections?
Strategists Take Note: Youth Engagement is Key
Hollyhand's Mission: Mobilize Young Conservatives
Rightward Shift: A Golden Opportunity?
"New, Younger Blood" Needed
Beyond Turnout: Untapped Potential
Advice to Young Alabamians: Start Talking!
A Game Changer Election Cycle
Look Out Lieutenant Governor Race
Next Generation Leaders
