MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Despite overwhelming fundraising and spending, Republican challenger Derek Chen was unable to unseat incumbent Andrew Sorrell in the state auditor’s race.
Sorrell prevailed with 300,160 votes, or 67.9%, according to preliminary results from the secretary of state’s office. Chen, an attorney from Vestavia Hills, earned 141,651 votes, or 32.1%.
Chen raised more than $516,200 in cash contributions and brought in $575,300 from other sources over the course of the race, a significant sum for a down-ballot race. Sorrell raised only $65,900, bringing in around an additional $5,000 from other sources.
Chen dominated spending in the race and doled out $1.09 million on the campaign trail. Sorrell spent $223,600.
The Alabama Farmers Federation endorsed Chen, which came with financial support from the group’s FarmPAC.
Sorrell had been running for secretary of state since last year but changed course to run for reelection as state auditor in early January. He took to social media early on Wednesday morning to thank his supporters.
“With all 67 counties reporting I am humbled to report that I got 68% of the vote tonight in the Republican Primary,” Sorrell wrote. “I sincerely appreciate everyone who voted for me! This election cycle was tough—over $1 million dollars was spent against me, and much of that spent on negative ads.
Madison County Commissioner Violet Edwards ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. She and Sorrell will compete in the November general election.
Heading into the general election, Edwards has the larger war chest. Edwards has $11,400 on hand. Sorrell has a reserve of $4,900.
The general election is Nov. 3.