Running Together: A Couple’s Journey Through Love and Politics

“Do you think it would be hard on a couple to have a political campaign during their first year of marriage?” 

“Well,” I said thoughtfully, “It depends on the couple.” 

“What if it was us?” 

This conversation happened very early on in my relationship with Andrew. We knew that we were serious about each other, but Andrew was aware of the intensity of a campaign and holding office. What I was most concerned about was not the campaign or the office, but the heart behind the race. I asked Andrew why he was running, and his answers solidified my answer to his question. 

“Let’s do it.”

While the question has certainly changed over the years, I am still completely enthusiastic in my support of Andrew. We’ve been through campaigns while opening businesses, having babies, and major life changes. This campaign will bring it’s own unique challenges, but I am convinced Andrew is the right person for Alabama’s next Secretary of State.  

There were two main reasons I was willing to enthusiastically join Andrew on this journey. The first reason was Andrew’s extensive involvement with the Republican Party. The more questions I asked, the more I came to realize that Andrew knew what he was talking about, and more than that, he had worked exhaustively to make a difference in his community. Being informed is important, but putting the information into action is a vital component to a good candidate. Even since we met I have watched Andrew stand up for right. 

I have always been passionate about civic involvement. The pressures of school prevented me from being involved personally, but my passion for teaching young people to understand the process never waned. Once I graduated with my Masters in Communication, I took a job teaching History and Government at a special needs school. I was particularly passionate about our young people understanding our government structure, and the rights and privileges enshrined in our Constitution. I have always admired those who sacrifice their time and resources to set out to make a difference. The more I talked to Andrew, the more I was excited to support Andrew in his effort to serve Alabama. 

The second main reason I am thrilled to walk with Andrew through this race is because of who Andrew is as a person. I love Andrew for many reasons, but three particular traits contributed to my support of his desire to serve the state of Alabama.  

First, Andrew is very committed to what he believes in. I have witnessed that in our relationship and in his involvement in politics. When we were dating, Andrew would drive over fourteen hours almost every weekend so we could spend time together. From the very beginning, he has been wholly devoted to me, and now to our children, in small things and large things. This commitment extends to making his businesses the best they can be and to serving the people of Alabama in public office. 

Second, Andrew is a conservative Christian. I devoted my life to Christ at a young age, and Andrew has a similar testimony, and we serve in our local church as a family. We believe God has called us to serve Him in this way. 

Third, Andrew is one of the hardest working people I know. In a generation that is criticized for being lazy, Andrew’s commitment to always putting forth his best stands out. He does what needs to be done and will not ask any of his volunteers to do anything that he will not do himself. 

So while not every voter will come to know Andrew as well as I do, I hope this insight helps your decision-making process.

Author: Hannah Sorrell