Alabama Republicans in brutal race debate dark money days before runoff election

With the June 16 runoff fast approaching, the two Republicans vying for Alabama’s next attorney general took to the stage in Montgomery on Monday night for a heated debate. Katherine Robertson and Jay Mitchell squared off at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center in an event hosted by 1819 News, clashing over campaign finance and the future of the state's legal landscape.

The Path to the Runoff

Robertson, serving as chief counsel for Attorney General Steve Marshall, emerged from the May 19 primary with 40.5% of the vote. As she previously led the field, she is looking to leverage her decade of experience in the AG's office, specifically highlighting her efforts to combat violent crime and challenge federal mandates. Conversely, Mitchell, a former Alabama Supreme Court justice, secured his spot in the runoff with 34.4% of the primary vote. He is positioning his 16 years of courtroom experience as the deciding factor for voters.

Dark Money Controversy

The debate quickly intensified over campaign funding. Mitchell criticized his opponent’s use of $2.9 million in so-called “dark money,” which accounts for over half of Robertson's $5.6 million war chest. Mitchell touted his own fundraising, noting that 97% of his contributions originate from within Alabama.

Robertson defended the support, citing endorsements from the Republican Attorneys General Association and Federalist Society leader Leonard Leo. She argued that these organizations are backing her to help "crush liberal dominance" and keep Alabama on a conservative trajectory.

Policy Positions and Federal Wins

Both candidates lauded recent successes, including a U.S. Supreme Court decision on redistricting that keeps the state's congressional map favorable to Republicans. On the issue of immigration, both candidates expressed a desire to work closely with the Trump administration and ICE to curb illegal border crossings and interior enforcement. They also touched on the complex topic of gambling, with both expressing personal opposition to its expansion while differing on how the attorney general should navigate potential legislative changes.

The Road Ahead

The winner of the June 16 primary will face Democratic nominee Jeffrey McLaughlin in the November 3 general election. Whoever prevails will ultimately succeed Steve Marshall, who has served as Alabama’s attorney general since 2017 but is ineligible for a third term.