Steve Marshall, the forty-eighth Attorney General of Alabama, has built a notable career characterized by a steadfast commitment to law enforcement, a firm stance on illegal immigration, and a conservative perspective on social justice issues.
Political Career Path to Attorney General
Born in Atmore, Alabama, Marshall pursued higher education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a Bachelor of Arts in American studies in 1987. He subsequently obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1990.
Marshall’s legal career commenced in private practice, including roles at Maynard Cooper and Gale P.C. in Birmingham and Montgomery. In 1995, he established his own law firm, McLaughlin & Marshall, in Guntersville, Alabama. His dedication to public service became evident through his work as a prosecutor for several municipal courts in Marshall County and as a legal analyst for the Alabama House of Representatives.
In 2001, Governor Don Siegelman appointed Marshall as the District Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit in Marshall County. At 36, he became one of the youngest district attorneys in Alabama. Marshall was subsequently re-elected in 2004, 2010, and 2016, serving in this capacity for sixteen years.
His tenure as district attorney was marked by proactive initiatives, including the founding of the Marshall County Major Crimes Unit, the Marshall County Forensics Lab, and the Marshall County Crystal Meth Task Force. These efforts underscored his commitment to enhancing local law enforcement capabilities.
In February 2017, following Luther Strange’s appointment to the U.S. Senate, Governor Robert Bentley appointed Marshall as Attorney General of Alabama. He won a full term in 2018, defeating Democratic nominee Joseph Siegelman with 58.8% of the vote, and was re-elected in 2022, securing 67.9% of the vote against Democratic challenger Wendell Major.
Approach to Lowering Crime
As Attorney General, Marshall has prioritized combating violent crime. In January 2018, he launched the Initiative on Violent Crime, aiming to “help cities reclaim their streets, restore the rule of law, and see their communities revived.” This initiative has led to the arrests of numerous violent offenders, reflecting Marshall’s commitment to public safety.
In February 2025, Marshall endorsed the introduction of the Speedy Trial Act, legislation designed to expedite trials for violent criminal cases, reduce court backlogs, and ensure swift justice for victims. He emphasized that “speedy trials are a constitutional guarantee for a defendant, but no one deserves swift justice more than a crime victim.”
Mindset on Social Justice Issues
Marshall’s stance on social justice issues aligns with conservative principles. He has actively opposed policies he perceives as conflicting with traditional values. For instance, in November 2024, he co-authored an amicus brief with Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, joined by attorneys general from 22 other states, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to ban transgender girls from participating in women’s sports. The brief challenged a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that had upheld an injunction against Arizona’s “Save Women’s Sports Act,” reflecting Marshall’s advocacy for policies he believes protect the integrity of women’s sports.
Additionally, Marshall has taken legal action to uphold state laws restricting abortion. In August 2023, he argued that individuals or groups assisting a woman in leaving Alabama to obtain an abortion could be legally prosecuted, asserting that such actions could constitute a conspiracy to violate state law.
Record on Illegal Immigration
Marshall has been a vocal advocate for stringent immigration enforcement. In January 2025, he joined a coalition of Republican attorneys general supporting President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to restoring the rule of law in immigration policy. The coalition praised the administration’s efforts to secure the borders and reverse policies they believed had led to unprecedented levels of illegal immigration. Marshall stated, “President Trump’s America First policies will once again ensure the safety and security of our nation.”
In January 2023, Marshall participated in a multistate lawsuit against the Biden Administration over a Department of Homeland Security program that he argued unlawfully invited hundreds of thousands of aliens into the country. He expressed concern that “the open borders agenda has created a humanitarian crisis that is affecting millions of Americans every day,” linking increased crime rates and the influx of opioids into communities to lax border policies.
Marshall’s commitment to border security was further demonstrated in August 2018 when he participated in a White House panel discussion on protecting America’s borders. He highlighted Alabama’s challenges with drug trafficking due to its proximity to major distribution points and border states, emphasizing the need for cooperation between federal, state, and local governments to address these issues.
Throughout his career, Steve Marshall has maintained a focus on law enforcement, public safety, and conservative values, shaping his policies and actions as Alabama’s Attorney General.