Ballot Challenge Shakes District 10 Senate Race: Battles Removed from Republican Primary Ballot

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local Election News

The Alabama Republican Party Steering Committee voted Sunday to remove Jesse Battles from the Republican primary ballot for Alabama Senate District 10 following a formal ballot challenge filed with the party.

Ballot challenge proceedings are generally considered confidential under party rules, and limited details surrounding the decision have been publicly released.

“Out of respect for the parties involved, the Alabama Republican Party does not comment on specific challenges,” said Alabama Republican Party Communications Director Jeannie Burniston.

According to party sources, the challenge against Battles involved allegations of past and ongoing support for Democratic candidates and elected officials, as well as questions concerning financial activity referenced during the ballot challenge proceedings.

The Weekly Ledger News reached out to Battles for comment; however, no response was received as of press time. Battles has confirmed the Steering Committee’s decision through another media outlet.

Battles had been scheduled to compete in the Republican primary against incumbent Senator Andrew Jones and fellow candidate Amy Dozier Minton.

Candidate Responses

Following the Steering Committee’s decision, the remaining candidates publicly addressed the development.

Senator Andrew Jones released the following statement:

“CAMPAIGN UPDATE: I just learned that one of my two opponents has been removed from the Republican ballot by the Alabama GOP. Apparently, someone associated with one opponent’s campaign filed a candidacy challenge on the other opponent due to some past work for the Democrats. If you know me, you know I’ve certainly never been shy about a hard-fought campaign, and I had been looking forward to a vigorous debate on the issues with BOTH candidates. In the end, though, as a result of this removal, only two of us will appear on your May 19 Republican ballot.”

Amy Dozier Minton also issued a statement:

“My official statement is: ‘I have learned that one of my opponents has been removed from the Republican ballot.’ I was not involved in the hearing challenge, so you will need to contact the Alabama Republican Party for all questions. Minton further stated, I will not comment negatively about either of these candidates, but I will continue to share my platform."

Minton went on to emphasize her campaign priorities, including support for military families, private property rights, workforce development, lower taxes, and faith-based initiatives.

Battles Responds on Social Media

Although Jesse Battles did not respond directly to The Weekly Ledger News request for comment, he addressed the Steering Committee’s decision in a statement posted to his Jesse Battles for State Senate Facebook page.

In the post, Battles expressed disappointment with the ruling while thanking supporters for their encouragement throughout the campaign.

“The decision made by the committee yesterday is beyond discouraging and disappointing. But let me be clear: it does not define us,” Battles wrote. “A setback is not a surrender: it is a challenge that prepares us to rise higher than before.” Battles further stated, “This will not be the last time you see the name Jesse Battles. I will keep working, keep building, and keep fighting for a future that serves all of us.”

Battles’ statement emphasized gratitude toward supporters and reaffirmed his commitment to future public service efforts.

Questions of Affiliation Previously Raised

Questions regarding Battles’ political affiliations had surfaced previously during the campaign.

In an October 2025 social media post, Battles addressed claims suggesting Democratic ties, stating:

“My opponents are trying to trick everyone into believing I am a Democrat. That is news to me and to my lifelong Republican voting record.”

Battles further emphasized his Republican voting history and involvement in conservative causes.

Challenge Form Obtained by TWLN

The Weekly Ledger News was provided a copy of the Alabama Republican Party Candidate Challenge Form submitted January 30, 2026.

The form identifies Julia Nolen Cleland as the challenger and Jesse Battles as the candidate being challenged.

The challenge document questioned Battles’ eligibility to run as a Republican candidate on the Republican ballot.

Personal contact information contained within the document has been redacted by The Weekly Ledger News for privacy considerations.

Minton Clarifies Role in Proceedings

Amy Dozier Minton provided additional clarification to The Weekly Ledger News regarding the ballot challenge process.

Minton stated that she was not a member of the Alabama Republican Party Steering Committee responsible for Battles’ removal.

While confirming that she does personally know Julia Nolen Cleland, Minton told The Weekly Ledger News that Cleland is broadly acquainted with multiple individuals connected to the District 10 race, including Senator Andrew Jones, Jesse Battles, and others active in local Republican politics.

Minton emphasized that multiple individuals came forward to the Alabama Republican Party to present concerns related to Battles’ candidacy.

During Sunday’s hearing, challengers were allowed to present supporting documentation and information before the Steering Committee. Battles and his legal counsel were also present and afforded the opportunity to respond.

“Everyone was allowed to present their information,” Minton said.

Minton confirmed she serves as Vice Chair of the Etowah County Republican Party. She indicated that, given her awareness of multiple anticipated challenges to Battles’ candidacy, she chose to recuse herself from matters connected to the ballot challenge.

She stated that the decision was made to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest and to preserve the integrity of the review process.

Broader Ballot Decisions

The Alabama Republican Party evaluates each candidate annually according to the Bylaws of the Alabama Executive Committee and the Standing Rules adopted by the party.

Battles was not the only candidate impacted by Sunday’s Steering Committee proceedings.

Party officials also voted to remove Angelo “Doc” Mancuso from the Republican primary ballot in the State House District 7 race.

Sources indicate that Lieutenant Governor candidate Dean Odle’s appeal was also considered, with the Steering Committee upholding a prior ruling under the party’s “sore loser” rule.

While ballot challenge details are typically confidential, this election cycle has seen several high-profile challenges become public.

Race Moving Forward

Battles’ removal leaves the Republican primary contest for Alabama Senate District 10 between Senator Andrew Jones and Amy Dozier Minton.

The Republican primary election will be held on May 19 and will determine which candidate advances to represent the party in the general election.

Ongoing Coverage

The Weekly Ledger News has reached out to Jesse Battles and the Alabama Republican Party for additional comment and procedural clarification.

As of press time, no further responses had been received.

The Weekly Ledger News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Alabama Senate District 10 race.

Continue following The Weekly Ledger News for local, late-breaking, and ongoing election coverage and candidate updates.

We Keep You Connected and Informed

©️2026 The Weekly Ledger News. All rights reserved.