Former State Sen. Gerald Dial considering another State Senate run in 2026 — ‘I’m not as old as Jabo’

Former State Sen. Gerald Dial (R-Lineville) is considering running for State Senate District 13 in 2026.

Gov. Kay Ivey recently dismissed and replaced the entire appointed Motor Sports Hall of Fame Commission including Dial, the former board chairman, according to Alabama Daily News.

Karen Lakey, former Motorsports Hall of Fame Commission accounts manager, allegedly stole $236,610 from the commission, according to a recent audit.

The theft was revealed in an audit released by the Alabama Department of Public Examiners that detailed numerous improprieties and is being investigated by the Attorney General’s Office.

Other findings from the report include a former Motorsports Hall of Fame executive director purchasing a 1968 Camaro Convertible pace car from the commission for $15,000 in April 2023. The Commission indicated to auditors that the vehicle was advertised for bid, and the former executive director was the only individual who bid on the vehicle. The Commission provided an advertisement in a local newspaper that advertising bids were being accepted for a “1968 Chevrolet.” The advertisement provided no additional information regarding the car, including the model, according to the audit.

The spouse of the former executive director also purchased a 1998 Ford F-150 truck from the Commission for $1,000.00 in March 2024. 

Dial told 1819 News he was “totally disappointed” about being removed from the board by Ivey. 

“I’m totally disappointed. The governor never contacted us, never let any of the board members meet with her,” Dial told 1819 News on Wednesday. “Her staff won’t let us meet with her to explain what went on. I’ve been on that board for 45 years. We got a bad audit because we hired someone that stole our money. As soon as it became apparent that she was misusing funds, we asked the examiners to come in, and they came in and did a thorough examination, and they’ve uncovered it. We’re waiting on indictments for her for stealing state funds. I created that Hall of Fame with legislation, been on that board ever since. I even borrowed $100,000 on a personal note to build the first building.”

Gina Maiola, a spokesperson for Ivey, told 1819 News on Wednesday, “Governor Ivey is responsible for ensuring all state entities are operating effectively with transparency.” 

“After the governor reviewed the audit on the Motor Sports Hall of Fame, she made the decision to remove all members of the Commission and appoint new membership to carry out the mission. The governor takes accountability very seriously and she felt difficult action was necessary,” she added.

Dial, 88, said he was considering a run for State Senate District 13, currently held by State Sen. Randy Price (R-Opelika).

“We need somebody looking out for the state, doing what’s right for the state,” Dial said. “I did it for 40 years. I’m not as old as Jabo Waggoner, and I’m in darn good health in my mind. Do I want to get back into that race? That’s a decision I’ll have to make later on. Things like this certainly makes you wonder who’s watching out for the people of the state and I don’t see many people doing that.”

Dial also defended his tenure on the Troy University Board of Trustees.

“I’ve never taken a dime from Troy (University) or the Motorsports Hall of Fame. In 40 years, I never had an ethics complaint. As a matter of fact, I was the sponsor of the first major ethics bill in the Senate that we passed,” Dial said. “There’s some things going on at Troy that seems to be a power struggle among some of the individuals down there. I kind of know what Donald Trump felt like now. When you announce that you’re going to run, people start shooting at you from every direction. I guess next week they won’t like the color of the hair I’ve got or what car I’m driving. I’m prepared for that. I’ve never run from a fight. I guess the one reputation I had when I was in the legislature, I’d run to a fight. We’ll see how this goes. I don’t know of anything at Troy. We’re doing well. There are some things that might be happening in the future at Troy, but it’s not anything unethical or anything. We know Dr. Hawkins eventually is going to retire and there’s some real heated discussion about who will take his place. It seems to be some individuals have already committed to help someone be the next president, and I may be standing in the way of that person, and that may be why they want me off the next Troy board.”

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].

Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.