Katherine Robertson will now advance to the November general election as the Republican Party’s nominee to be the next attorney general, after defeating former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell on Tuesday’s runoff election.
Robertson, the current chief counsel to Attorney General Steve Marshall, is almost certain to take her boss’s job at the beginning of next year after securing her place in the November general election.
Robertson and Mitchell aggressively campaigned against one another. Mitchell attempted to highlight funding for Robertson’s campaign that he claimed was sketchy. Robertson, on the other hand, accused Mitchell of being supported by the “Montgomery inside crowd.”
Robertson’s was the first to be called of the statewide offices on the ballot, with the Associated Press calling the election in her favor fewer than two hours after the polls closed.
The AP called the race around 8:40 p.m., when just 46% of the votes had been counted, and Robertson secured 60% of the vote (94,669) over Mitchell’s 44% (75,140).
Robertson shared a short acknowledgement of her victory on social media.
Robertson's campaign provided 1819 News with a copy of her speech, delivered upon being declared the winner.
“Twelve months ago, I entered this race as the underdog, the spoiler, or the unknown, depending on who you asked,” Robertson said in her speech. “All I knew is that I wanted to outwork and outclass my opponents and offer Alabama something different. Not somebody who saw themselves as the rightful next anything, just somebody regular, who cared enough to give it a shot.”
She concluded, [I]n choosing me, you will never have to worry about whether your Attorney General is willing to do whatever it takes to fight for our state and the values we hold dear. ‘We Dare Defend our Rights’ is not just a motto, it is a mission. And it will continue to be the mission of the Alabama attorney general's office for as long as I work at 501 Washington Avenue. "
Later in the evening, Mitchell’s campaign officially conceded the race while thanking his family and supporters.
“While tonight's results were not what we hoped for, I rest knowing we gave this race everything we had,” Mitchell said. “My family sacrificed. My team worked tirelessly. And this campaign was truly built by Alabama, for Alabama. I am proud of that.”
“Earlier this evening, I reached out to my opponent to congratulate her on the victory and wish her success moving forward. Tonight's outcome does not diminish what this campaign stood for or the people who made it possible. More than anything else, I want to say thank you to them.”
Robertson faces Democratic nominee Jeff McLaughlin for the seat in the Nov. 3 general election.
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