ANNISTON, Ala. — Calhoun County District 4 Commissioner Phil Sorrells released a 340-word statement this week clarifying that he is not a RINO, or Republican In Name Only, and affirming his commitment to conservative values.

No one has called Sorrells a RINO. The statement did not identify the occasion for its release.

"I want to be absolutely clear: I am a conservative Republican," the statement reads in part. "I have always been a conservative Republican. I will continue to be a conservative Republican. Anyone who suggests otherwise does not know my record."

A review of public statements, local social media posts, and coverage from the Anniston Star from the past 90 days found no suggestion that Sorrells was a RINO or any derivation thereof. The last time Sorrells faced a Republican primary, in 2022, he ran unopposed.

Sorrells listed several items of supporting evidence in the statement, including his votes against a proposed county broadband expansion study, his opposition to a 2023 zoning variance that would have permitted a multi-family housing development near Weaver, and his attendance at a district Republican breakfast meeting on 11 of the last 12 months. He said he missed one month due to a previously scheduled dental appointment.

"I will not apologize for my values," the statement reads. "Not today. Not ever."

Sorrells was asked who he was not apologizing to. He said the statement was a general affirmation.

He was asked whether anyone had questioned his conservatism in recent weeks. He said the political environment requires clarity.

He was asked whether he planned to seek re-election in 2026. He said that was a separate matter.

Sorrells has served as District 4 Commissioner since 2014.