MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Republican Party is removing three other candidates from its June primary ballot in addition to Baldwin County circuit judge candidate Ginger Poynter after finding them ineligible.

The state GOP announced the decision Friday following hearings by the party's candidate committee.

The committee voted to remove Jefferson County circuit judge candidate Jim McFerrin; state auditor candidate Ray Bryan; and party executive committee candidate Jamie Wilkins.

The committee will hear challenges to other candidates on Saturday.

Party Chairman Bill Armistead says challenges were filed against a total of 18 primary candidates. Armistead says challengers claimed candidates were ineligible for several reasons.

Some challenges involved claims that candidates supported Democrats in past general elections or took money from the Alabama Education Association.

The party isn't saying what led to the removal of the four candidates.