Blount County DA Pamela Casey endorses Jay Mitchell in Alabama AG race

Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey is throwing her support behind Jay Mitchell in the upcoming GOP runoff for Alabama attorney general. Casey, who finished third in the May 19 Republican primary with 25% of the vote, announced her endorsement as the race shifts toward the June 16 showdown.

Mitchell, a former Alabama Supreme Court justice, is set to face Katherine Robertson, the longtime chief counsel for Attorney General Steve Marshall, in the runoff. Robertson led the primary field with 40.5% of the vote, while Mitchell secured 34.4%.

A Focus on Legal Experience

In a press release, Casey emphasized that her decision centers on the need for proven legal expertise. "At the end of the day, I believe Alabama deserves an Attorney General who has actual courtroom and legal experience," Casey said. "Jay Mitchell has been in the courtroom. He understands the law, the judicial system, and the serious responsibility that comes with serving as our state’s top law enforcement officer."

Mitchell welcomed the backing of Casey, who has served as Blount County DA since 2011. "Pam Casey is an outstanding prosecutor and has shown herself to be a fierce, fair competitor throughout this race," Mitchell stated. "She believes—as I do—that the AG’s Office should not be for sale."

Criticism of Campaign Funding

Both Mitchell and Casey have raised concerns regarding the role of dark money in the race, specifically targeting the large, undisclosed contributions backing Robertson. These include a $1.1 million donation to Robertson's campaign from First Principles Action, a Tennessee-based nonprofit founded by the former leader of the Republican Attorneys General Association, and a $500,000 contribution from Frontline Leaders Action, Inc.

"I am deeply concerned about the role dark money and outside interests played in this race," Casey remarked. "Alabamians deserve transparency and accountability from those seeking public office."

The candidates have also clashed over advertising tactics. Mitchell, who wrote the court's main opinion regarding a temporary pause of IVF services in 2024, has pushed back against attack ads funded by out-of-state entities. Casey, who has openly shared her personal experience as an IVF mother, expressed frustration over the tone of the campaign. "Alabama families who have experienced infertility deserve compassion and understanding, not political exploitation," she said in an open letter to voters.

Robertson’s Momentum

While Mitchell has secured Casey’s endorsement, Robertson has also been building a coalition of support. Several district attorneys have endorsed her campaign, including Robert Wilters of Baldwin County, Rob Broussard of Madison County, and CJ Robinson, who represents Autauga, Elmore, and Chilton counties.

"Having served both as a judge and as a longtime district attorney, I understand the importance of strong leadership in the AG’s Office, and Katherine Robertson has delivered exactly that over the last decade," Wilters said.

The winner of the June 16 runoff will move on to face the Democratic nominee, Jeff McLaughlin, in the Nov. 3 general election. McLaughlin, a Guntersville lawyer and former state representative, was unopposed in the primary.