Alabama Secretary of State Race Heats Up!

Get ready, folks! The 2026 Alabama Republican primary ballot is about to get even more interesting. Former congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson just threw her hat into the ring for Secretary of State, challenging Andrew Sorrell, who was previously running unopposed.

Sorrell's Strong Start

Sorrell, currently serving as State Auditor, isn't messing around. He reported a hefty $313,869.57 in the campaign war chest as of July 1st. June was a banner month, raking in $64,475.02. Since the fundraising window opened in mid-May, he's pulled in a whopping $114,502.02. Sorrell claims this pace nearly doubles what past successful Secretary of State campaigns managed.

Sorrell stated, "I was very pleased to raise $64,475.02 this month for my campaign. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I have received since entering this race. In just 43 days since the fundraising window opened we have brought in $114,502.02, which is unprecedented for a Secretary of State campaign." He also added, "There is no natural donor base for this office as there is for other offices such as Treasurer, Legislature, and Governor, making these fundraising numbers even more significant."

Dobson Enters with a Bang!

Dobson, a familiar face after her congressional run, isn't coming empty-handed. She kicked off her campaign with a $500,000 personal loan and reported $500,000 cash on hand as of July 1st. This fifth-generation cattle farmer from Monroe County is a Harvard and Baylor Law School grad. After practicing law in San Antonio, she returned to Montgomery in 2019. She currently serves on the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition board, and is also a wife and mother of two.

Dobson's Platform: Integrity and Business

Dobson stated, “I felt led to take this job, not only because of my passion about election integrity, but also my professional background." She believes Alabama needs to crack down on election fraud and proposed modeling an election-crime division after Florida’s office.

But it's not all about elections. Dobson also wants to focus on the Secretary of State's business role. “I will reduce fees on Alabama businesses, streamline same-day services for small and rural enterprises, and make Alabama the number one choice for incorporation.”

She concludes, “With municipal contests on the horizon, no election is too small to protect,” Dobson said. “Every single ballot matters.”

The race is on, ChumCity! Who will Alabama voters choose?