Although it is the very preliminary stage of the 2026 election cycle, some of the contests for statewide offices are beginning to take shape, including the race for attorney general.
Attorney General Steve Marshall is term-limited, with a term ending January 18, 2027. Marshall's departure will leave a vacancy, resulting in what should be a wide-open race.
Last month, State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) ruled himself out as a candidate, which leaves three candidates as potential frontrunners.
Katherine Robertson, Marshall's chief counsel, is reportedly considering a run. Robertson raised eyebrows last year when she formally stepped into the public spotlight to pen an op-ed along with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill for Newsweek. The piece questioned then-Vice President Kamala Harris' claim to the mantle of feminism.
Robertson could have a built-in advantage if she inherits Marshall's connections, which have led to the incumbent attorney general's back-to-back election victories.
Sources tell 1819 News that Associate Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell will also likely announce a bid to be Alabama's top law enforcement official.
Mitchell brings a strong understanding of state law and ties to the conservative Federalist Society to bolster his candidacy. However, detractors warn Mitchell will be forced to defend himself for authoring the state high court's ruling on IVF last year that gave embryos "personhood." The ruling also drew the ire of Donald Trump, which could be weaponized by Mitchell's potential opponents.
New to the discussion is 2024 second congressional district Republican hopeful Caroleene Dobson. Dobson, who lost her congressional bid to now-U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile), had built up name identification from her 2024 bid. She also would likely be in early consideration for the Alabama Farmers Federation endorsement.
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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