Alabama native Derek Chen, a conservative attorney and activist, announced Wednesday that he is running to be the state’s next auditor. In a press release, Chen offered personal background information and explained why he has decided to enter the race.
“Today, I am officially announcing my campaign to be our next State Auditor. As Alabamians, we not only deserve but demand transparency and efficiency with our tax dollars,” said Chen. “I am running for State Auditor to ensure that our government is accountable to the people first and foremost, and I am laser-focused on a few core issues: accountability, transparency, and government efficiency.”
A current Vestavia Hills resident and graduate of the University of Alabama, Chen was born in the United States after his parents immigrated legally to the United States from Taiwan in the 1980s.
“I always tell people that the most important public office is being an informed citizen. As Americans, we should never take our freedoms for granted,” he emphasized. “Fighting back against government overreach is not theoretical for me. It is a civic responsibility. My family escaped the threat of communism, and thankfully, I escaped socialist California for the free state of Alabama.”
Chen noted his steadfast and unwavering support for President Donald Trump’s policies since the latter announced his candidacy for president in 2015.
“I have supported President Trump since day one. I have supported his America First agenda since day one. As Auditor, I will put Alabama taxpayers first on day one. DOGE has created a lot of energy nationally, and just like D.C., Montgomery could use a reality check.”
Chen received his undergraduate degree from Hope College, a small Christian college in Michigan, before receiving a law degree from Cumberland School of Law and his MBA from the University of Alabama. He is a Vestavia Hills resident and practiced law in Jefferson County.
Current Alabama State Auditor Andrew Sorrell has announced that he will not be seeking reelection to the position, instead opting to run for the role of Secretary of State.
The deadline to qualify to run in Alabama’s 2026 elections is January 30, 2026. The voting date for primaries is May 26, 2026, with the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
