Andrew Sorrell, who has served as State Auditor for one term, announced on Monday morning he intended to qualify for re-election in the 2026 election, rather than for Secretary of State, which he announced a campaign for in February 2024.
Today is the official opening to the 2026 Alabama Republican Party qualifying window.
“I’ve determined that I can best serve my fellow Alabamians by giving them an experienced and committed state auditor with a proven track record of defending taxpayers and protecting the dollars they send to Montgomery,” Sorrell said in a statement to Yellowhammer News.
“I’ll continue fighting for accountability in state government and promoting the values that earned me national recognition as the most conservative official in the Alabama State House.”
Sorrell said he intends to officially qualify for re-election with the Alabama Republican Party later this morning.
On Monday morning, Sorrell circulated a notice to campaign donors and supporters, of which he said, he had received 400 donations. In the dispatch, he said he is “truly thankful for the support and was so excited about the possibility of serving as Secretary of State,” and that his decision was made after deliberations with his wife and consultants.
With Sorrell’s decision to run for re-election rather than in an open bid and virtual head-to-head for Alabama Secretary of State, Caroleene Dobson is expected to qualify as the clear frontrunner.
In the State Auditor’s race, since he is not term-limited, Sorrell now faces Derek Chen and Josh Pendergrass.
The 2026 Alabama Republican Party primary is on track for May 19. Party qualifying closes on January 23.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
