Former State Rep. Ken Kvalheim has stepped down as chairman of the Mobile County Republican Executive Committee after roughly 18 months leading Alabama’s largest county Republican organization. Vice-Chair Stuart Lang, an attorney and prosecutor, will serve as interim presiding officer until committee members elect a new chairman on October 5.
The Mobile County Republican Executive Committee announced the leadership change Monday. In a memo to committee members, Lang thanked Kvalheim for his service and pointed the party’s focus toward the fall campaign season.
“We are deeply grateful for the service of long time member Ken Kvalheim. Ken served in the legislature and has been a strong party member when the Republicans were in the minority. We are appreciative of his dedication and look forward to his continued support,” Lang said. “Our party is focused on our November elections and will continue to work toward securing our races with Senator Tuberville leading our ticket as our nominee for governor.”
Kvalheim has been involved with the Mobile County Republican Party since 1983, though his chairmanship marked his first time in a leadership role with the organization. He was unanimously elected in January 2025, succeeding Tricia Strange, who had chaired the committee for four years.
Before taking the helm of the county party, Kvalheim worked as manager of grants for the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. His professional background also includes service as vice president of the Mitchell Company and president of the University of South Alabama National Alumni Association, along with a stint as a university board trustee.
During his time as chairman, Kvalheim helped replenish the party’s finances following the 2024 election cycle and began preparing Mobile County Republicans for the 2026 elections, when every state constitutional office will be on the ballot. Secretary Jo O’Brien and Treasurer Butch Blum were elected alongside Kvalheim in January 2025 and remain in their posts.
Lang will lead the county party through the October 5 committee meeting, when members will elect a permanent successor.