One of Alabama’s two Republican candidates for secretary of state says he will not attack his opponent with negative ads and calls on her to make the same commitment.

State Auditor Andrew Sorrell and Montgomery attorney Caroleene Dobson are the two GOP candidates in the race.

In a campaign news release on Monday, Sorrell urged Dobson to join him in signing a “Clean Campaign Pledge.”

“As Alabama’s chief elections officer, it is important for the next secretary of state to set a moral example that other candidates and campaigns should follow,” Sorrell said.

“The ‘Clean Campaign Pledge’ I propose simply states that we will not engage in negative campaigning against each other or condone attacks from outside groups or individuals. In essence, it embraces Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment – Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican.”

Sorrell is a business owner from Muscle Shoals and a former state legislator who was elected auditor in 2022.

Dobson is a lawyer who was the Republican nominee in Alabama’s 2nd congressional district last year. Dobson lost to Democrat Shomari Figures in a district redrawn by a federal court to favor Democrats.

Dobson did not immediately respond to an email from AL.com on whether she would sign the “Clean Campaign Pledge.”

“The ball is in Caroleene’s court, and I hope she will accept my request to engage in a civil and friendly campaign that will make every Alabamian proud,” Sorrell said.

“We’ve seen enough discord, division, and deceit among Democrats on the national level, and those kinds of attacks and tactics have no place in the Alabama Republican Party, where we pride ourselves on being Christian conservatives.”

Sorrell said the main points in the “Clean Campaign Pledge” are:

• The candidates understand that running to become Alabama’s chief elections officer obliges them to conduct a positive campaign that sets an example for others to follow.
• The candidates will vigorously debate policy issues but will not engage in negative attacks on their opponent.
• The candidates will not allow, condone, or endorse negative attacks on their behalf by third-party groups or individuals.
• The candidates will encourage all of their supporters to engage in positive campaigning and avoid negative tactics.

The race is for an open seat because Secretary of State Wes Allen, who was elected in 2022, is running for lieutenant governor.

The primary is May 19, 2026.