This is a significant election year for Alabama. All Constitutional Bureau elections took place on May 19, 2026, kicking off the race. Key positions include the governor, attorney general, and members of the agricultural committee, alongside the state accountant, secretary of state, and state auditors.
Currently, every elected official in Alabama is a Republican, creating a situation where the state feels quite one-sided politically. Our Congress, House, and Senate are overwhelmingly comprised of Republican members. In a year packed with elections, all 140 legislative seats will also be contested.
This week, we’ll take a closer look at the down-ballot races for Treasurer, Secretary of State, and Auditors. Both the Secretary of State and the Auditor positions are open and feature non-incumbents, similar to some of the more high-profile offices.
Young Boozer, our veteran state treasurer, is running for re-election and aims for an unprecedented fifth term. He’s not just the longest-serving state treasurer; many believe he’s the most qualified and successful in the position’s history. It almost feels as though his life was destined for this role.
Young Boozer III, our current treasurer, is the son of Young Boozer Jr., a successful businessman who started numerous companies in Alabama, notably the Cotton State Life Insurance Company, sold to Alpha in the 1980s. Young Boozer Jr. was a Dothan High School graduate who played football alongside the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant.
They were both pivotal players on the Rose Bowl and National Championship team from the 1930s. Their friendship lasted throughout their lives, with Boozer involving Bryant in several business pursuits, including Tuscaloosa Ziegler Meat.
Young Boozer III, after graduating from Tuscaloosa High School, made his way to the West Coast for his education, culminating in a degree from the esteemed Stanford University. He also earned his MBA from Wharton and started a successful banking career in California, which eventually took him to New York, then back to Alabama, where he became a prominent executive at the Colonial Bank in Montgomery.
Boozer was first elected in 2010, experiencing significant success and serving until 2019. While he couldn’t serve three terms consecutively due to state law, he returned to office in 2021 after being appointed by Governor Kay Ivey.
After completing that term, he was overwhelmingly elected again in 2022. This year, he’s fortunate to be running for another term, and under his leadership, the state Treasury has become self-funded.
The race for Secretary of State is shaping up to be extremely competitive. Current state auditor Andrew Sorrell is moving next door to run for Secretary of State. Sorrell is a conservative and a dedicated retail politician, constantly traveling the state and enjoying every moment. He comes from a good family, too.
Sorrell will be up against Carolyn Dobson, a bright emerging star in the Alabama GOP. Dobson, a Harvard graduate and skilled lawyer, hails from Monroe County and has proven herself as a strong candidate, previously running a notable race for Republicans in the Second Congressional District.
Young Derek Chen, who lacks prior political experience, is eager to compete for the open state auditor position. At just 28, he’s deeply connected within Alabama Republican politics and is a member of all major conservative business groups in the state.
He has made significant contributions to Alabama Republican legislative candidates and is a major supporter of President Trump, having started his backing in 2015 right when he first visited Trump Tower.
Derek is closely associated with Trump’s inner circle and frequently appears on Maria Lago’s Trump program. My guess is that Trump will reciprocate Derek Chen’s loyalty by backing his run for state auditor. With a law degree from Cumberland School of Law and an MBA from the University of Alabama, he’s certainly qualified for the responsibilities that come with the position.
Until next week.
