Special to the Enquirer  

Alabama House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) was honored by the American Legislative Exchange Council Oct. 4 as one of the top “50 Under 50” legislators in the nation who best represent the conservative policy think tank’s principles and values.

Stadthagen, who accepted the award at the ALEC 50th Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C., was recognized for his commitment to empowering parents to make the best decisions in their children’s education and providing tax relief to his constituents, as well as sponsoring and passing several significant pieces of legislation that include prohibiting hostile nations from acquiring property in Alabama and expanding penalties for unlawful entry of critical infrastructure.

“Since taking office, I have worked hard to represent and reflect the strong conservative beliefs and core moral values that the constituents in my district and the majority of Alabamians hold close,” Stadthagen said. “While those efforts and the privilege of holding office are already deeply fulfilling, having a respected group like ALEC include me among the nation’s top conservative lawmakers makes the honor of public service even more special.”

ALEC Chief Executive Officer Lisa B. Nelson praised Stadthagen for his strong commitment to promoting conservative policies at the state level, which earned him the group’s recognition as one of the top young lawmakers in the nation.

“Leader Stadthagen has been a steadfast defender of ALEC’s founding principles of limited government, free markets, and federalism,” Nelson said. “Scott is an invaluable member of the 50-under-50 class, and the men and women of Alabama’s ninth House district are lucky to have him as their state representative.”

Originally elected to the Alabama House in 2018, Stadthagen was selected as House Majority Leader by his Republican colleagues in 2022 and currently holds seats on the body’s Rules, State Government and Fiscal Responsibility committees.

Since 2005, he has been employed as owner of Hagen Homes Incorporated and has served on a number of local boards, including the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, the Morgan County Builders Association and the Economic Development Group of Hartselle. Stadthagen and his wife, Amy, have one daughter, Collins Ann.

Founded in 1973, ALEC and its state affiliates share model legislation that advance conservative policies and fundamental constitutional tenets in legislative bodies across the nation. It is considered among the preeminent conservative policy think tanks currently operating in the U.S.

The “ALEC 50 Under 50” program that recognized Stadthagen coincides with the group’s anniversary marking a half-century since its founding.