Alabama Republican slams ‘bogus’ poll showing him trailing in heated runoff race

The race for the Republican nomination for attorney general is heating up as the runoff for the Republican nomination for attorney general approaches. A recent survey released by The Alabama Poll shows Katherine Robertson leading Jay Mitchell ahead of the June 16 showdown.

The Numbers

According to the survey of 600 likely Republican runoff voters conducted on May 28, Robertson sits at 49.1% support compared to 31.2% for Mitchell. Approximately 19.7% of voters remain undecided. The poll, conducted by Michael Lowry, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4% at a 95% confidence interval.

This high-stakes contest has seen both campaigns spend millions in campaign funds, with both candidates frequently trading barbs over attack ads they claim are misleading.

Path to the Runoff

Robertson, who serves as chief counsel for Attorney General Steve Marshall, led the May 19 primary with 40.5% of the vote. Mitchell, a former Alabama Supreme Court justice, followed with 34.4%, while Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey rounded out the field with 25%.

The winner of the June 16 runoff will move on to face Democratic nominee Jeffrey McLaughlin, a Guntersville attorney and former state legislator, in the Nov. 3 general election.

Campaign Reactions

Lowry noted that Robertson appears to have solidified her base, stating, “Katherine Robertson is in a commanding position.” He added that while Mitchell has a pathway to victory, it remains extremely narrow and would require him to sweep up the remaining undecided voters.

The Mitchell campaign fired back, dismissing the data as a “bogus suppression poll.” Highlighting his performance in the primary despite being outspent 2-to-1, the campaign pointed to the endorsement from Pamela Casey as a key factor that will carry them to victory on election day.