Vestavia Hills Republican and attorney Derek Chen announced Wednesday his bid for state auditor.
“As Alabamians, we not only deserve but demand transparency and efficiency with our tax dollars,” Chen said in a written statement. “I am running for State Auditor to ensure that our government is accountable to the people first and foremost, and I am laser-focused on a few core issues: accountability, transparency, and government efficiency.”
Chen has a law degree from Cumberland School of Law and his MBA from the University of Alabama. He was an early supporter of President Donald Trump’s 2016 election bid.
“I have supported President Trump since day one. I have supported his America First agenda since day one,” Chen said. “As auditor, I will put Alabama taxpayers first on day one. DOGE has created a lot of energy nationally, and just like D.C., Montgomery could use a reality check.”
This is Chen’s first run for public office, but he’s been involved in GOP politics for several years. Since 2022, he’s contributed a combined about $107,000 to a variety of Republican candidates, including lawmakers and statewide candidates, according to campaign finance records.
The auditor’s spot is up for grabs in 2026 because of a political Domino-effect.
Current Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is term limited and considering a run for governor. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen announced earlier this year he is running for the open lieutenant governor position. Later, current Alabama Auditor Andrew Sorrell said he is running for secretary of state.
Chen is the son of Taiwanese immigrants and spent his early years in California.
“I always tell people that the most important public office is being an informed citizen,” he said. “As Americans, we should never take our freedoms for granted. Fighting back against government overreach is not theoretical for me. It is a civic responsibility. My family escaped the threat of communism, and thankfully, I escaped socialist California for the free state of Alabama.”
Candidates in 2026 can begin campaigning and raising money in late May, a year from the 2026 primaries.