[co-author: Stephanie Kozol]
On January 17, Pennsylvania Acting Attorney General Michelle Henry (R) succeeded AG Josh Shapiro who became the state’s 48th governor. Since 2017, Acting AG Henry served as former AG Shapiro’s first deputy — the first woman in that position — overseeing all legal, criminal, and civil matters in the AG’s office. Governor Shapiro now plans to nominate her as his “permanent” replacement to the Republican-controlled state Senate, so she can serve the remaining two years of his term as a full-fledged AG.
Previously, Acting AG Henry served as a prosecutor in the Bucks County district attorney’s office for 21 years where she briefly served as the district attorney. There, she prosecuted many high-profile criminal cases involving child abuse, drug, murder, and robbery. While serving as the assistant district attorney, she also helped prosecute and convict then-Pennsylvania AG Kathleen Kane on perjury and related charges. Acting AG Henry also helped establish the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center, a nonprofit that assists physically or sexually abused children, focusing on reducing their trauma while involved with the judicial system.
Acting AG Henry attended Allegheny College for her undergraduate studies and received her law degree from Widener University School of Law.
Why This Matters
Based on her background, experience, and work history with now Governor Shapiro, Acting AG Henry, if confirmed, should experience a relatively smooth transition into her new AG role in protecting and serving the citizens and agencies of the commonwealth.
