ChumCity's Take on Alabama's Power Players!

Yellowhammer News dropped its annual Power & Influence Top 50 list, and you KNOW ChumCity is all over it! This is the inside scoop on who's REALLY making things happen in Montgomery. Forget the fluff – this list is about who's pulling the levers as we head into a crazy 2026 election season.

Power of Service Event!

They even threw a "Power of Service" event to celebrate the honorees. Talk about a power-packed party! Now, let's dive into some of the highlights!

#10 Liz Filmore (Governor Ivey's Office)

Filmore is the QUIET POWERHOUSE. She's Governor Ivey's right hand, a disciplined and demanding Chief of Staff who fosters loyalty and gets results. Think of her as the ultimate behind-the-scenes operator. First and only female Chief of Staff in Alabama history, she’s a legend!

#9 Bob Geddie (Fine Geddie & Associates)

Geddie's a LOBBYING LEGEND. He learned from the best and built a lobbying firm that's basically an institution. He knows EVERYTHING about Alabama politics and lawmakers won't move on a bill without his say-so.

#8 Joe Perkins (Matrix, LLC)

Perkins sticks up for the UNDERDOG. Some call him ruthless, others say he's just REALLY good. He's fought (and won) tons of battles for those without a voice. Always seems to be battling his way out of something and 2026 should be no different.

#7 Clay Ryan (Alabama Power)

Ryan's the CONNECTOR. He's got experience in law, government, and politics, making him a go-to advisor for the state's biggest players. He's at the center of everything important happening in Alabama.

#6 Stephanie Bryan (Poarch Band of Creek Indians)

Bryan's a TRANSFORMATION QUEEN. She turned the Poarch Band of Creek Indians into a serious economic force. From rural Alabama to the Caribbean, she's making moves. Gambling legislation? She's got influence, baby!

#5 Arthur Orr (Alabama Senate Ways & Means Education Committee)

Orr's the BUDGET BOSS. He handles the HUGE education budget with ease. He's a lawyer with a clear path to reelection and more influence than most people could handle. What a career.

#4 Will Ainsworth (Lt. Governor of Alabama)

Ainsworth has the DISCIPLINE. He's been a consistent presence on this list because he's laser-focused on getting things done. Big bills in the Senate? He's all over them.

#3 Garlan Gudger (Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore)

Gudger has the RESILIENCE. Coming back from a near-fatal accident to lead the Senate? That's impressive! He's a negotiator who's willing to compromise, but once he's made up his mind, it's over.

#2 Nathaniel Ledbetter (Alabama Speaker of the House)

Ledbetter has the HOUSE IN ORDER. He knows he's dealing with a bunch of "lions" and he protects his members. Everyone likes him more leaving the session this year than they did coming in. A loyal man who leads with country wisdom.

#1 Kay Ivey (Governor of Alabama)

Ivey's still QUEEN OF THE HILL. As she heads into her final year, she can look back on some major achievements. She stabilized the state and won two full terms. Whether it's education, infrastructure, or manufacturing, she's left her mark.