As the nation approaches the pivotal elections in November, the spotlight often shines brightly on congressional races, overshadowing the significant contests for state attorney general positions. These offices, however, are becoming increasingly crucial in American politics, with various partisan groups and corporate interests mobilizing to influence the outcomes.
In a remarkable display of financial backing, Republican organizations focused on attorney general races reported a record fundraising haul of $29 million last year, setting the stage for the upcoming 2026 midterms. Not to be outdone, their Democratic counterparts raised $28 million, doubling their typical fundraising efforts at this point in the election cycle.
With around 30 attorney general seats up for grabs this year, significant financial contributions are flowing in from various sectors, including technology and tobacco companies, many of which could face legal scrutiny from these powerful state officials. This influx of money from law firms, unions, and advocacy groups signifies the growing importance of the attorney general role in shaping national policy and serving as a potential launchpad for aspiring politicians.
James Tierney, a former attorney general in Maine and current educator at Harvard, underscores this trend: “Because we try to solve so many of our problems with lawsuits, the office of attorney general has become more important.”
Attorneys General as Future Political Leaders
The significance of these positions is further demonstrated by the number of current attorneys general eyeing gubernatorial bids this election cycle. At least six current attorneys general are running for governor, reflecting a trend where many governors have previously served as attorneys general. In fact, ten current governors began their political careers in this role, including three who were elected in 2024.
During Kamala Harris’s presidential run in 2024, notable contenders for her vice-presidential pick included three sitting governors—Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania—all of whom had previously held the attorney general position.
Adam Piper, executive director of the Republican Attorneys General Association, notes the shifting dynamics: “The AGs used to be the underdogs in the races for top-of-the-ballot offices. Now, they’re the favorite in them.”
Targeted Races in Swing States
Key races in swing states, where Democrats gained seats in 2022, are now priorities for both parties. Democrats are optimistic about their chances in Republican-leaning states like Georgia, Kansas, and Ohio, while Republicans are targeting potential gains in Minnesota and New York.
In Texas, a competitive race features U.S. Rep. Chip Roy against state Sen. Mayes Middleton for the Republican nomination. Current Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has been in the news for various controversies, is also running for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.
Both Roy and Middleton have pledged to combat what they describe as the “Islamification” of Texas, with Middleton even promising to investigate financier George Soros based on various conspiracy theories. Roy emphasized the importance of having a singular voice in state office, stating, “I’ll be one of one instead of one of 435 (members of the U.S. House) fighting for you.”
Legal Battles and Accountability
The role of attorneys general has recently gained prominence amid legal challenges against the federal government. A coalition of 24 Democratic officials, including attorneys general and governors from Republican-led states, recently sued the Trump administration over tariffs imposed following a Supreme Court ruling.
According to the Progressive State Leaders Committee, Democratic attorneys general have initiated over 80 lawsuits against the Trump administration, achieving favorable outcomes in many instances. Sean Rankin, president of the association, emphasized their role as a crucial check on presidential power, particularly in a Congress perceived as compliant with the executive branch.
In Arizona, Attorney General Kris Mayes, who won her seat by a narrow margin, claims that the lawsuits her office has joined have saved the state significant funds, including crucial federal program support. “If you don’t have an attorney general who is willing to stand up to the federal government,” she warned, “your state is going to get hurt.”
As the election season progresses, the outcomes of these attorney general races could have far-reaching implications, not just on state policies but also on the broader political landscape, signaling a shift in how these positions are perceived and wielded in American governance.
