With control of Congress on the ballot in November, state attorney general races can get lost in the shuffle. But just outside the election spotlight, there are partisan groups, corporate interests, and advocacy networks revving up campaigns for offices that are playing a growing role in American politics. The group of Republican organizations dedicated to these contests reported raising a record amount of money last year, pulling in $29 million in preparation for the 2026 midterms. Democratic counterparts said they brought in $28 million, twice as much as usual at this stage of the election cycle.
Some 30 seats are on the ballot this year. Money is pouring in from technology companies, tobacco companies, and others, all of which could face scrutiny from states' top legal officers. The money includes millions from law firms, unions, and ideological groups, reflecting the rising stature of the job in national policy and as a springboard for higher office.
“Because we try to solve so many of our problems with lawsuits, the office of attorney general has become more important,” said James Tierney, a former Maine attorney general who teaches about the position at Harvard.
At least six current attorneys general are running for governor this year. Ten current governors first won the position as they wrapped up their attorney general terms, including three elected in 2024. Notably, when Kamala Harris, a former California attorney general, ran for president in 2024, some of her potential running mates, including governors like Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina, had previously served as attorneys general.
Adam Piper, executive director of the Republican Attorneys General Association, highlighted that the political potential for those who win the office is prompting increased donor interest. “The AGs used to be the underdogs in the races for top-of-the-ballot offices,” he said. “Now, they’re the favorite in them.”
Various states are where parties are focusing their attention, with Republicans aiming for pickups in swing states like Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin, while Democrats are eyeing potential gains in Republican-leaning states such as Georgia, Kansas, and Ohio.
In Texas, the Republican primary for attorney general has drawn attention as U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton vie for the party’s nomination. Current attorney general Ken Paxton is running for a U.S. Senate seat after being acquitted of corruption charges and facing significant scrutiny over his legal actions against both federal policies and instances of gender-affirming care for minors.
Meanwhile, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, who narrowly won her seat in 2022, has joined multiple lawsuits against the federal government, claiming significant financial benefits for her state. Her campaign is now being challenged by Republican Rodney Glassman, who is focusing on disavowing her legal confrontations with the federal administration.
As these races unfold, the 2024 elections prove to be a pivotal moment, with the role of state attorney generals continuing to evolve into a significant force within the political landscape.
Some 30 seats are on the ballot this year. Money is pouring in from technology companies, tobacco companies, and others, all of which could face scrutiny from states' top legal officers. The money includes millions from law firms, unions, and ideological groups, reflecting the rising stature of the job in national policy and as a springboard for higher office.
“Because we try to solve so many of our problems with lawsuits, the office of attorney general has become more important,” said James Tierney, a former Maine attorney general who teaches about the position at Harvard.
At least six current attorneys general are running for governor this year. Ten current governors first won the position as they wrapped up their attorney general terms, including three elected in 2024. Notably, when Kamala Harris, a former California attorney general, ran for president in 2024, some of her potential running mates, including governors like Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina, had previously served as attorneys general.
Adam Piper, executive director of the Republican Attorneys General Association, highlighted that the political potential for those who win the office is prompting increased donor interest. “The AGs used to be the underdogs in the races for top-of-the-ballot offices,” he said. “Now, they’re the favorite in them.”
Various states are where parties are focusing their attention, with Republicans aiming for pickups in swing states like Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin, while Democrats are eyeing potential gains in Republican-leaning states such as Georgia, Kansas, and Ohio.
In Texas, the Republican primary for attorney general has drawn attention as U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton vie for the party’s nomination. Current attorney general Ken Paxton is running for a U.S. Senate seat after being acquitted of corruption charges and facing significant scrutiny over his legal actions against both federal policies and instances of gender-affirming care for minors.
Meanwhile, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, who narrowly won her seat in 2022, has joined multiple lawsuits against the federal government, claiming significant financial benefits for her state. Her campaign is now being challenged by Republican Rodney Glassman, who is focusing on disavowing her legal confrontations with the federal administration.
As these races unfold, the 2024 elections prove to be a pivotal moment, with the role of state attorney generals continuing to evolve into a significant force within the political landscape.
