The Electric Cooperatives of Alabama Political Action Committee (PAC) has endorsed Caroleene Dobson in the 2026 race for Alabama Secretary of State, throwing the support of one of the state’s most influential rural organizations behind her campaign.
Karl Rayborn, CEO of the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives (AREA), said Dobson’s background and values align closely with the needs of rural communities.
“Caroleene has a heart for rural Alabama and the communities our electric cooperatives serve, while also bringing the integrity and sound judgment needed to oversee Alabama’s business filings and elections process,” Rayborn said. “We believe she is the perfect candidate for the job, and we are proud to support her as Alabama’s next Secretary of State.”
Dobson, a Monroe County native, grew up on her family’s fifth-generation cattle farm before becoming an accomplished attorney specializing in commercial real estate, natural resources and energy law. She said her upbringing helped shape her understanding of the state’s rural workforce and the role cooperatives play in supporting it.
“Growing up in rural Alabama taught me just how essential our electric cooperatives are to sustaining families, farms, and small businesses,” Dobson said. “I am grateful for AREA’s work to deliver reliable, affordable energy that powers Alabama’s economy, and I look forward to working alongside them as Secretary of State to make life more affordable for the people of Alabama.”
Dobson has only continued to stress the importance of reducing fees on Alabama businesses, sentiments she originally made when launching her campaign back in June, when she joined Alabama State Auditor Andrew Sorrell in the race.
The AREA endorsement signals unified support from Alabama’s electric cooperatives, which collectively serve more than one million residents. AREA represents 22 member-owned cooperatives and partners with TVA, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, and Southern Power to promote rural development and sound energy policy across the state.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
