Derek Challenges Andrew Sorrel Over "America First" Loyalty and Georgia Ponzi Scheme Links​

By Staff Writer May 13, 2026

​VESTAVIA, Ala. — The race for Alabama State Auditor has intensified as Republican candidate Derek Chen issued a scathing demand for transparency from his opponent, incumbent Andrew Sorrell. In a recently released statement, Chen questioned Sorrell’s political consistency and raised serious ethical concerns regarding Sorrell's past financial dealings and professional conduct while in office.

​The "America First" Divide

​Chen centered his critique on Sorrell’s previous stance toward President Donald Trump, alleging that the incumbent has not always been a foot soldier for the America First movement.

​"In 2024, Andrew Sorrell said President Trump would be a drag on Republican candidates down to dogcatcher and asked him to step aside," Chen claimed. "When he turned his back on the America First movement, I stood with President Trump just like I have since 2015."

​Chen framed the election as a choice between wavering political loyalty and steadfast support, suggesting that Sorrell’s past remarks reflect a lack of alignment with the base of the Alabama Republican Party.

​Allegations of Financial Mismanagement

​Beyond political rhetoric, Chen took aim at Sorrell’s judgment regarding campaign funds. He highlighted reports of Sorrell losing significant donor contributions in a Georgia-based Ponzi scheme.

​"It has been well reported that he lost tens of thousands of dollars of donor money in a Bernie Madoff-like Ponzi scheme," Chen stated. "His record proves he is completely unfit to manage anyone's money, especially Alabama taxpayers' money."

​Ethical Questions Surrounding "Stable Revolution"

​The most technical of Chen's allegations involves Stable Revolution, a consulting firm owned by Sorrell. According to Chen, public records show the firm was paid over $200,000 by Allen Long’s campaign for State School Board.

​The Chen campaign raised two primary concerns regarding these payments:

• ​The Ponzi Connection: Campaign finance reports indicate Long’s campaign received at least $40,000 from the same Georgia Ponzi scheme associated with Sorrell's previous losses.

• ​Conflicts of Interest: Sorrell was serving as the sitting State Auditor at the time of these payments. Chen questioned the legality and ethics of a high-ranking state official profiting from political consulting while in office.

​Chen further noted that Sorrell was forced to amend a Statement of Economic Interests to disclose his ownership in the firm after initially failing to do so.

​A "Career Politician" Narrative

​Chen dismissed Sorrell’s recent campaign tactics as the maneuvers of a "career politician" desperate to maintain his grip on power. He pointed to Sorrell’s decision to switch from the Secretary of State race to the Auditor’s race as evidence of political opportunism.

​"Alabama taxpayers deserve a State Auditor with sound judgment that can be depended on to protect our tax dollars," Chen concluded. "My opponent simply cannot be trusted to be a watchman for Alabama taxpayers."

​As of press time, the Sorrell campaign has not issued a formal rebuttal to these specific allegations regarding the Georgia scheme or the consulting fees.