Manufacture Alabama announced Monday it is endorsing Katherine Robertson for Alabama attorney general in the 2026 general election, praising her nearly decade-long service as chief counsel in the Attorney General’s Office and her work defending state businesses from federal policies.
Business group highlights experience with state legal fights
In a statement, Manufacture Alabama said Robertson has spent close to 10 years serving as chief counsel to Attorney General Steve Marshall, assisting the Attorney General’s Office on matters affecting Alabama businesses, workers and communities. The endorsement emphasized Robertson’s role in leading state efforts to challenge federal policies and defend Alabama’s constitutional authority.
“Katherine Robertson understands that a strong business climate depends on the rule of law, regulatory certainty and a willingness to stand up when federal policies threaten Alabama jobs and employers,” Manufacture Alabama President and CEO Jon Barganier said.
Manufacture Alabama, which represents manufacturers across the state, said Robertson has collaborated with state leaders, law enforcement and the business community while advocating for policies that affect Alabama families and employers.
Candidate frames endorsement as validation of work
Robertson responded to the endorsement by reiterating her commitment to protecting businesses from federal overreach. In the announcement she said the endorsement validated her record and signaled continued focus on job creation and regulatory certainty.
“I’m grateful for Manufacture Alabama’s support,” Robertson said. “For nearly a decade I’ve worked to protect Alabama businesses and workers from federal overreach, and as Attorney General, I’ll keep fighting to give our manufacturers the certainty they need to grow and create jobs right here at home.”
What the endorsement means for the race
Manufacture Alabama’s backing gives Robertson an established business-group endorsement early in the election cycle. Business endorsements can translate into volunteer networks, fundraising support and outreach to local stakeholders, particularly in industrial communities that rely on manufacturing employment.
While the endorsement does not determine the election outcome, it signals that prominent industry leaders see Robertson as aligned with their priorities on regulatory matters and state-federal legal disputes. The organization also points to her familiarity working with law enforcement and state officials as a factor in its decision.
Quick facts
| Organization | Endorsed candidate | Office | Election year | Role cited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacture Alabama | Katherine Robertson | Attorney General | 2026 | Chief counsel to Attorney General Steve Marshall (nearly a decade) |
Why manufacturers say the endorsement matters
- Regulatory certainty: Industry leaders cited Robertson’s emphasis on predictable rules that affect business planning.
- Legal advocacy: Manufacture Alabama highlighted her participation in challenges to federal policies seen as harmful to Alabama jobs.
- Collaboration: The endorsement noted Robertson’s experience working with state leaders, law enforcement and the business community.
Manufacture Alabama’s announcement directs readers to its website, manufacturealabama.org, for more information about the organization and its priorities.
Looking ahead
The endorsement is an early sign of how various interest groups may align in the attorney general contest leading into the 2026 general election. As the campaign season advances, endorsements from trade groups, law enforcement associations and other constituencies are likely to play a role in shaping the contours of the race.
For voters and stakeholders watching the legal and economic direction of the state, Manufacture Alabama’s backing frames Robertson as a candidate focused on defending Alabama’s business interests at both the state and federal level.
