In an announcement made on Monday, Andrew Sorrell, currently serving as Alabama’s state auditor, declared his intention to run for the office of secretary of state in the 2026 elections. Sorrell, a member of the Republican party, ascended to the state auditor position in 2022 following a successful political career that included serving a term in the Alabama House of Representatives for Colbert County.
The opportunity for Sorrell’s candidacy arises as the current Secretary of State, Wes Allen, campaigns for the lieutenant governor position, thus vacating his role for the upcoming election. Sorrell has expressed his commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, stating, “As secretary of state, I will work to ensure that votes cast are counted honestly and that individuals who engage in fraudulent voting efforts are identified and penalized.”
The secretary of state role involves serving as Alabama’s chief elections official, alongside maintaining both business and governmental records throughout the state. The state is gearing up for primary elections scheduled for May of next year. During his time in the Alabama Legislature, Sorrell notably proposed a bill in 2022 aimed at prohibiting the use of abortion pills in the state. Although the bill did not pass, a subsequent U.S. Supreme Court ruling empowered states to enforce abortion bans.
Additionally, the responsibilities tied to the state auditor’s office largely involve overseeing state property management. The auditor also plays a part in the selection process for county registrar boards. Sorrell’s candidacy for the secretary of state office marks a significant step as Alabama looks towards its future leadership dynamics.
