Orrick State Attorney General 2026 Election Preview

7 minute read | October.13.2026

Voters in 30 states will decide attorney general races on November 3. Republicans currently hold 27 attorney general offices and Democrats hold 23; the District of Columbia AG is also elected in 2026 and is discussed separately below.

Here’s our preview of the 30 races, and what to watch as Election Day approaches.

States with Close Races

Michigan – Open

Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) is term-limited. Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit (D) faces Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd (R) in the general election. The large “undecided” share in recent polls and near-even ballot test reinforce the view that this is a genuinely unsettled open-seat contest. The race is also likely to be influenced by Michigan’s broader statewide environment, including the closely watched U.S. Senate race.

Minnesota – Incumbent

Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) is seeking reelection against Republican attorney Ron Schutz. Ellison has won both of his prior AG races narrowly, including by less than one percentage point in 2022. Earlier polling had the race tied or showed Ellison ahead, so the public data point to a fluid contest rather than a durable lead for either candidate.

Nevada – Open

Attorney General Aaron Ford (D) is term-limited and running for governor. Democratic state Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro faces Republican Adriana Guzmán Fralick. The campaign has focused in part on whether the next attorney general should continue Nevada’s active role in multistate litigation against the federal government. Public general-election polling remains limited, so statewide political conditions and fundraising will be important indicators through Election Day.

Kansas – Incumbent

Attorney General Kris Kobach (R) faces Democrat Chris Mann in a rematch of the 2022 election, when Kobach won by 1.6 percentage points. Mann has emphasized bipartisan law-enforcement support. Taken together with the close 2022 result and a competitive Kansas statewide environment, the race merits close attention through November.

Iowa – Incumbent

Attorney General Brenna Bird (R) is seeking a second term against Democratic former state Rep. Nate Willems. Earlier public polling had Bird narrowly ahead. With competitive gubernatorial, U.S. Senate, and congressional contests drawing significant attention in Iowa, down-ballot movement could be especially important in the AG race.

Georgia – Open

Attorney General Chris Carr (R) left the office race to run for governor. Republican state Sen. Brian Strickland faces Democratic state Rep. Tanya Miller. Georgia has become highly competitive in federal statewide contests, although Republicans have continued to win the state’s executive offices in recent cycles.

Republican States with Competitive Races

Florida – Incumbent

Attorney General James Uthmeier (R), appointed in 2025, is seeking his first full elected term against former state Sen. José Javier Rodríguez (D). Recent polling suggests a close race despite Florida’s Republican lean: a September St. Pete Polls survey showed Uthmeier at 43% and Rodríguez at 41.6%, while another September poll had the candidates tied at 46%. Uthmeier is running on his record and alignment with Gov. Ron DeSantis on issues including immigration and consumer protection, while Rodríguez is emphasizing affordability, consumer protection and the independence of the attorney general’s office.

Texas – Open

State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R) faces state Sen. Nathan Johnson (D), recent polling shows a close but consistent Middleton lead: Texas Southern University’s September 15–19 poll had Middleton at 47%, Johnson at 42%. Texas Public Opinion Research’s September 19–22 survey showed Middleton 46% to Johnson 43% after undecided voters were pushed to choose; and a September 8–11 ReconMR/Siena poll found a much narrower 45%–44% race. Middleton has emphasized continuity with Texas’ Republican legal strategy, while Johnson has focused on consumer protection, law enforcement and a less partisan approach to the office. The polling makes this a race worth watching, with Middleton’s recent margins ranging from 1 to 5 points.

States in which the Democratic Candidate is Favored to Win

Arizona – Incumbent

Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes is seeking a second term against Republican Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen.

California – Incumbent

Attorney GeneralRob Bonta (D) is seeking reelection against former Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates (R).

Colorado – Open

Secretary of State Jena Griswold (D) faces 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen (R) for the open seat being vacated by term-limited Attorney General Phil Weiser.

Connecticut – Incumbent

Attorney General William Tong (D) faces John Bolton (R).

Delaware – Incumbent

Attorney General Kathy Jennings (D) faces David C. “Dave” Graham (R).

District of Columbia – Incumbent

Attorney General Brian Schwalb (D) is facing Republican Manuel Rivera.

Illinois – Incumbent

Attorney General Kwame Raoul (D) faces Bob Fioretti (R).

Maryland – Incumbent

Attorney GeneralAnthony Brown (D) faces Jim Rutledge (R).

Massachusetts – Incumbent

Attorney General Andrea Campbell (D) faces Michael Walsh (R).

New Mexico – Incumbent

Attorney General Raúl Torrez (D) faces Samuel Kane (R).

New York – Incumbent

Attorney General Letitia James (D) faces Saritha Komatireddy (R).

Rhode Island - Open

Kimberly Ahern (D) faces Alan Gordon (R) for the open seat being vacated by term-limited Attorney General Peter Neronha (D).

Vermont – Incumbent

Attorney General Charity Clark (D) faces H. Brooke Paige (R).

Wisconsin – Incumbent

Attorney General Josh Kaul (D) faces Republican Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney in a rematch of their 2022 race.

States in which the Republican Candidate is Favored to Win

Alabama – Open

Katherine Robertson (R) faces Jeffrey McLaughlin (D) for the open seat.

Arkansas – Incumbent

Attorney General Tim Griffin (R) has no Democratic opponent on the November ballot.

Idaho – Incumbent

Attorney General Raúl Labrador (R) faces Lori Hickman (D).

Nebraska – Incumbent

Attorney General Mike Hilgers (R) faces Jocelyn Brasher (D).

North Dakota – Incumbent

Attorney General Drew Wrigley (R) faces Tim Lamb (D).

Oklahoma – Incumbent

State Rep. Jon Echols (R) faces Nick Coffey (D) for the open seat.

Ohio – Open

State Auditor Keith Faber (R) faces John Kulewicz (D) for the open seat.

South Carolina – Open

Solicitor David Stumbo (R) faces Richard Hricik (D) for the open seat.

South Dakota – Open

Former state Sen. Lance Russell (R) has no Democratic opponent on the general-election ballot for the open seat.

Current Attorneys General Not on the 2026 General-Election Ballot

The following current attorneys general are not candidates in a 2026 statewide attorney general election. For elected offices, the next regularly scheduled attorney general election year is listed. States that select the attorney general by appointment or legislative/judicial selection are identified separately because they do not have a conventional reelection year.

Alaska

Cori Mills (Acting) (R) is the current Attorney General of Alaska. Appointed by the governor; next appointment/confirmation cycle: 2026.

Hawaii

Anne E. Lopez (D) is the current Attorney General of Hawaii. Appointed by the governor; next appointment cycle: 2026.

Indiana

Todd Rokita (R) is the current Attorney General of Indiana. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2028.

Kentucky

Russell Coleman(R) is the current Attorney General of Kentucky. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2027.

Louisiana

Liz Murrill (R) is the current Attorney General of Louisiana. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2027.

Maine

Aaron Frey (D) is the current Attorney General of Maine. Selected by the legislature; next selection cycle: 2026.

Mississippi

Lynn Fitch (R) is the current Attorney General of Mississippi. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2027.

Missouri

Catherine L. Hanaway (R) is the current Attorney General of Missouri. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2028.

Montana

Austin Knudsen (R) is the current Attorney General of Montana. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2028.

New Hampshire

John Formella (R) is the current Attorney General of New Hampshire. Appointed by the governor with Executive Council approval; next appointment cycle: 2026.

New Jersey

Jennifer Davenport (D) is the current Attorney General of New Jersey. Appointed by the governor with Senate consent; no statewide AG election or reelection year.

North Carolina

Jeff Jackson (D) is the current Attorney General of North Carolina. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2028.

Oregon

Dan Rayfield (D) is the current Attorney General of Oregon. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2028.

Pennsylvania

Dave Sunday (R) is the current Attorney General of Pennsylvania. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2028.

Tennessee

Jonathan Skrmetti (R) is the current Attorney General of Tennessee. Selected by the Tennessee Supreme Court for an eight-year term; current term runs through 2030.

Utah

Derek Brown (R) is the current Attorney General of Utah. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2028.

Virginia

Jay Jones (D) is the current Attorney General of Virginia. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2029.

Washington

Nick Brown (D) is the current Attorney General of Washington. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2028.

West Virginia

J.B. McCuskey (R) is the current Attorney General of West Virginia. Next regularly scheduled AG election: 2028.

Wyoming

Keith Kautz (R) is the current Attorney General of Wyoming. Appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature; no statewide AG election or reelection year.

Authors

Rob McKenna Partner, Public Policy, Cyber, Privacy & Data Innovation

Seattle; Washington, D.C.

See my bio

D:+1 206 839 4415
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Public Policy
Cyber, Privacy & Data Innovation
State Attorneys General Investigations & Enforcement
Strategic Advisory & Government Enforcement (SAGE)

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Rob McKenna Partner

Seattle; Washington, D.C.

A former Washington State Attorney General and President of the National Association of Attorneys General, Rob is accomplished in all areas of public policy, appellate law and investigations. He is a Chambers USA Band 1 Partner in Government Relations: State Attorneys General.

Rob represents a wide range of technology, energy, finance and other companies in matters involving cyber security, data privacy, litigation, appellate litigation, regulatory proceedings, state attorney general investigations and legislative issues. His experience, stature and proficiency add essential capabilities for clients seeking coordinated policy advocacy, regulatory compliance and litigation strategies in state capitols across the country and in Washington, D.C., where he has testified before Congress and assisted clients who have been called to testify before Congressional committees. While at Orrick, Rob has represented clients in both state and federal court, typically in cases centered on constitutional questions.

Rob served two terms as Attorney General of Washington, from 2005 to 2013. He successfully argued three cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and helped negotiate three of the largest consumer protection settlements in national history, all involving mortgage lending and servicing. He is a recognized leader in the development of data protection and privacy regulation. Rob was the first state Attorney General to build a computer forensics lab to collect evidence of Internet fraud and passed one of the nation's first anti-spyware laws.

Rob served as President of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) from 2011–12 where he co-launched the NAAG Intellectual Property Task Force to advance the national fight against counterfeiting and piracy. While serving as NAAG President, he created and led a national initiative to combat human trafficking which continues to this day. The NAAG human trafficking summit he hosted in Seattle in 2012 led AGs to launch state-level initiatives around the country. His fellow attorneys general honored him in 2011 with the Kelley-Wyman Award for “Outstanding Attorney General” in America.

Andrew Cook Partner, Public Policy, State Attorneys General Investigations & Enforcement

Washington, D.C.; Seattle

See my bio

D:+1 202 339 8597
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Public Policy
State Attorneys General Investigations & Enforcement
Strategic Advisory & Government Enforcement (SAGE)

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Andrew Cook Partner

Washington, D.C.; Seattle

Andy combines his legal expertise in numerous areas of law covered by state Attorneys General, an understanding of how state AG offices operate, and vast knowledge of legal and regulatory issues facing his clients. This substantive and comprehensive legal approach is crucial to effectively representing clients before state Attorneys General. Andy also has substantial experience drafting and enacting complex civil liability reforms before state legislatures to successfully address client goals.

Andy’s main practice focuses on advising Fortune 500 companies before state Attorneys General in the areas of antitrust, consumer protection, False Claims Act, environmental law, and cybersecurity and data privacy. Andy, in collaboration with a team of attorneys, successfully navigated a client through antitrust regulatory review by state Attorneys General in one of the nation’s largest mergers of two major telecommunication companies. Andy also worked with a team of lawyers representing a large corporation involving the multistate opioids litigation brought by state Attorneys General.

Andy gained valuable experience serving as Deputy Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin where he was the second in command of the 700-plus state agency. In his role as Chief Deputy Attorney General, Andy oversaw the day-to-day operations at the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ); directed the State’s litigation strategy; negotiated, reviewed, and approved all settlements; drafted and reviewed attorney general opinions; managed the agency’s budget; oversaw civil and criminal investigations handled by DOJ; and managed DOJ’s legislative agenda.

Andy played college hockey and remains active by running, cross country skiing, and playing golf. On the weekends, Andy and his wife enjoy watching their kids’ sporting events, including soccer, baseball, gymnastics, and track. In his rare spare time, Andy reads history books.

Brian T. Moran Senior Counsel, Public Policy, State Attorneys General Investigations & Enforcement

Seattle

See my bio

D:+1 206 839 4419
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Public Policy
State Attorneys General Investigations & Enforcement
White Collar, Investigations, Securities Litigation & Compliance
Strategic Advisory & Government Enforcement (SAGE)

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Brian T. Moran Senior Counsel

Seattle

As the U.S. Attorney in Seattle, Brian led the first U.S. attorney’s office in the country to confront the challenges of the Covid-19 crisis. He led the office’s response to unprecedented civil unrest, and prosecuted an array of crimes ranging from hate crimes perpetrated by neo-Nazis to sophisticated data breaches by cyber criminals, and he pursued drug and human traffickers. He served on the Native American Issues (subcommittee), and the Border States and marijuana enforcement U.S. Attorney Work Groups. Brian earned wide bipartisan support for his leadership and was recently selected to serve on the Western District of Washington’s federal judicial selection committee.

During his 15 years serving in the office of the Washington State Attorney General, including as the Chief Deputy Attorney General, Brian was the top legal advisor to the Attorney General and had a significant role in the office’s legal strategy and policy initiatives, including matters related to consumer protection, data breaches, unfair competition, and public records. He frequently worked with the state legislature and state agencies to draft, implement, or amend state law in important areas such as consumer protection, the powers and duties of the Attorney General, public records, tort liability, public safety, and criminal law.

Brian has conducted numerous high-profile investigations for government agencies. In private practice, he has represented Fortune 100 companies, financial institutions, and tech innovators under investigation by state Attorneys General and other regulatory bodies.

Prior to his Chief Deputy appointment, Brian served as the Attorney General’s chief criminal prosecutor and as a Senior Deputy Prosecutor with the Office of the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney. His extensive trial and litigation experience includes white collar fraud, public corruption, environmental, and criminal and civil matters. Brian has tried over 100 cases through verdict, including 35 homicides and three death penalty cases.

Alejandra Stephens Public Policy Sr Strategist, Public Policy

Seattle

See my bio

D:+1 206 839 4335
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Public Policy

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Alejandra Stephens Public Policy Sr Strategist

Seattle

Alejandra served as Director of Sponsorships and Events for the Attorney General Alliance (AGA), where she led one of the organization's largest revenue-generating initiatives while developing long-standing relationships with attorneys general, senior government officials, Fortune 500 companies, law firms, trade associations and technology leaders. She was instrumental in expanding strategic partnerships, creating innovative engagement opportunities and designing high-profile national and international programs that brought together public and private sector leaders to address emerging legal and policy issues.

Throughout her career, Alejandra has earned a reputation for building trusted relationships, identifying strategic opportunities and creating meaningful connections that deliver value for clients and stakeholders alike. Her background spans business development, sponsorship strategy, executive engagement, event leadership and cross-sector collaboration, providing her with a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of state attorney general priorities and public policy.

Alejandra holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado and combines strategic business insight with a deep understanding of the state attorneys general community. She is passionate about helping clients develop authentic, long-term relationships and navigate complex government engagement strategies.

Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Alejandra is bilingual in English and Spanish and is based in Colorado. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Leif and their two daughters, supporting their many activities and traveling together whenever possible. She is actively involved in her local community and enjoys bringing people together through service, events and meaningful connections.