State Auditor Andrew Sorrell received an endorsement for his run for Secretary of State from BamaCarry, a statewide gun rights advocacy organization.
Sorrell served as a representative for House District 3 from 2018 to 2022. During his four years in the legislature, he filed versions of a permitless, or “constitutional,” carry bill each session he participated in, often with little initial support.
In his first year sponsoring the proposal, Sorrell had fewer than 10 co-sponsors, but by his final term, he had secured backing from more than 20 lawmakers, including House leadership.
Although the measure that ultimately passed in 2022 was carried by Rep. Shane Stringer, R-Citronelle, Sorrell’s repeated introductions of the legislation helped normalize it and build momentum within the Republican caucus.
The bill removed the requirement for a concealed carry permit, a change long sought by gun rights advocates. Sorrell said at the time that citizens should not need a “permission slip” from the government to carry a firearm.
Opponents argued the change would prevent law enforcement from knowing the legal gun owners from criminals and protecting the public. Annual permits also generated revenue for departments.
Sorrell has continued to defend the law while in other public offices. In 2024, he criticized a proposal to reimpose permit requirements on Alabamians under 21, calling it unconstitutional.
BamaCarry, which worked alongside him on permitless carry, called him “instrumental” in getting the permitless carry legislation passed, citing that record in its endorsement.
“Andrew has tirelessly fought for our freedoms and stood side by side with BamaCarry,” the organization said in a statement.
As a candidate for Secretary of State, Sorrell has focused on issues of election administration and government transparency.
The Secretary of State oversees Alabama’s elections, business filings and official state records. Sorrell has pledged to emphasize election security and accountability in the role, while maintaining his commitment to constitutional rights.
