Cherokee County Republican Women Host November Meeting
Featuring Statewide Candidates and Judicial Speaker
CENTRE — The Cherokee County Republican Women held their monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 17, at the Cherokee GOP Headquarters off the Centre bypass. The gathering, which is open to all Republicans in the county, including men, drew a strong turnout and featured several guest speakers involved in Alabama’s 2025 election cycle.
President Sommer Overstreet Jones opened the meeting with a welcome, followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before introducing the evening’s scheduled speakers.
Judge Bill Cole Provides Insight Into Alabama’s Court System
The first speaker was Judge Bill Cole of the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, who has served on the court since 2019. Cole brings a broad background in the legal field, including:
Professional Background
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Judge, Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals (2019–present)
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Private Law Practice (1992–2005)
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Municipal Court Judge
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Circuit Court Judge, Jefferson County
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Special Prosecutor
Education
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J.D., University of Alabama (1992)
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Bachelor’s in Political Science and English, Vanderbilt University (1989)
Judge Cole spoke warmly of Cherokee County, noting his longtime visits to the area with his family to enjoy the lake. He shared an overview of his experiences across various levels of Alabama’s court system, including his unique role in hearing cases involving complaints filed against Alabama judges. Cole acknowledged the challenges of such cases but emphasized their importance in maintaining integrity within the judiciary.
He concluded by taking questions from attendees and was well received by the room.
Lt. Governor Candidate Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth Outlines Her Platform
Next to speak was Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth, a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama. Wadsworth, a commercial real estate developer and economic development specialist, described herself as a “female version of Donald Trump” and highlighted her work on all three of his presidential campaigns.
Professional Background
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Commercial real estate developer and site selector
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Negotiator for major economic development projects and commercial real estate deals
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Former board member, Alabama Federation of Republican Women
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Extensive involvement with business, philanthropic, and conservative-focused boards
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Volunteer with Trump campaigns, including deployments to battleground states
Education & Certifications
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Holder of four degrees and two professional certifications
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Early graduate of the EDAA Leadership Institute; first from Huntsville/North Alabama to earn the certificate
Wadsworth emphasized her business-first, results-driven approach, citing her experience recruiting industry, reducing bureaucracy, and coordinating complex development projects. She said her focus as lieutenant governor would include:
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Strengthening infrastructure, including broadband expansion
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Improving healthcare access in rural Alabama
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Continuing efforts to recruit and retain jobs statewide
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Supporting public safety officials with proper tools and respect
She also noted her commitment to community service and highlighted her family’s dedication to conservative values. Wadsworth’s husband, State Rep. Tim Wadsworth, and their children are actively involved in community development projects, which she described as central to her life’s work.
State Auditor Candidate Derek Chen Shares His Story
Following Wadsworth was Derek Chen, a candidate for Alabama State Auditor. Chen’s presentation combined detailed explanations of the auditor’s responsibilities with humor and personal storytelling.
Background
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Born in the U.S. to legal immigrants from Taiwan who fled Chinese communism
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Early supporter of Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign
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Longtime proponent of the America First agenda
Education
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Undergraduate degree, Hope College (Michigan)
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J.D., Cumberland School of Law
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MBA, University of Alabama
Professional Experience
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Attorney practicing in Jefferson County
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Resident of Vestavia Hills
Chen emphasized how his family’s escape from communist rule instilled in him a deep respect for accountable government. He described the auditor’s role in ensuring state property and assets remain properly managed and in the hands of the people, not bureaucratic systems.
U.S. Senate Candidate Rodney Walker Introduces Himself
Also present was Rodney Walker of Clay County, who is seeking the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Tommy Tuberville. Although scheduled to speak at a future meeting, Walker briefly introduced himself to attendees.
A cattle farmer by trade, Walker spoke on the importance of increased federal support for rural hospitals, stressing the need for sustained resources to keep medical services accessible in underserved areas.
Meeting Concludes With Business Session
After the guest speakers finished, the Cherokee County Republican Women transitioned into their business portion of the meeting.
The organization plans to continue hosting statewide candidates and elected officials as Alabama moves deeper into the upcoming election cycle.
