[co-author: Stephanie Kozol]*
As we look ahead to 2024, significant changes are underway in state attorney general (AG) elections, with 10 AGs facing reelection due to incumbents pursuing other offices or opting out. Open seats in North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia, indicate that at least six new AGs will come into power. Additionally, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, and Vermont will hold their AG elections, with incumbents facing challengers in those races.
Democratic Congressman Jeff Jackson is transitioning from a redistricting-induced shift in his district by running for the position of North Carolina AG. Having secured victory in the Democratic primary last Tuesday, he will face Republican Congressman Dan Bishop in November. Jackson prevailed over contenders Satana Deberry and Tim Dunn in the Democratic primary. The AG role is often seen as a stepping-stone to the Governor’s Mansion, as evidenced by current AG Josh Stein departing this role to run for governor this November. On the Republican side, Congressman Dan Bishop ran unopposed in the Republican primary. Analysts foresee this November’s showdown as likely one of the state’s most expensive general election races.
Pennsylvania emerges with competitive races unfolding in both the Democratic and Republican primaries. On the Democratic side, five contenders vie for the nomination, including state Rep. Jared Solomon, Delaware County District Attorney (DA) Jack Stollsteimer, former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, former Federal Prosecutor Joe Kahn, and former Philadelphia and Montgomery County Chief Public Defender Keir Bradford-Grey. Republicans see York County DA Dave Sunday and state Rep. Craig Williams competing for their party’s nod. Incumbent AG Michelle Henry’s decision not to seek reelection has opened the field, setting the stage for a dynamic primary on April 23. Early frontrunners include Bradford-Grey and Sunday, signaling a closely contested race.
AG Charity Clark may keep control in Vermont, while Washington state’s primary presents a competitive scenario between Nicholas Brown and state Sen. Manka Dhingra. Oregon currently leans toward Democrats with Speaker Dan Rayfield in the lead.
Republicans aim to uphold control in Utah, West Virginia, Indiana, Missouri, and Montana, with notable incumbents like Todd Rokita and Austin Knudsen having favorable odds.
In summary, the 2024 elections bring forth new personalities and priorities across various jurisdictions, promising shifts in regulatory and political landscapes.
To stay up to date on the State AG elections, visit the election map here.
*Senior Government Relations Manager
