[co-author: Stephanie Kozol]*
Kentucky
Russell Coleman (R), a Louisville attorney and former federal prosecutor, prevailed over Pamela Stevenson (D), member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, for District 43. Coleman will take over from departing attorney general (AG) Daniel Cameron (R), who was unsuccessful in running for governor against incumbent Andy Beshear (D). Such an outcome suggests that prevailing political headwinds affect AGs differently — despite their overt party affiliations. Coleman will take over the AG post in December.
Winning his race with roughly 58% of the vote, Coleman is no stranger to the role of chief law enforcement officer. In addition to his experience in government investigations private practice, he previously served as the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. Further, his background includes experience as a volunteer assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Oldham County, a senior advisor and legal counsel to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, and an FBI special agent.
Mississippi
Incumbent Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch (R) won reelection with roughly 58.8% of the vote, fending off a challenge by Greta Kemp Martin (D), a Jackson attorney and litigation director for Disability Rights Mississippi. Fitch began her legal career as a special assistant AG before working in private practice as a bond attorney. She has long been influential in Mississippi state government.
Her previous experience includes serving as executive director of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, counsel to the multiple committees of the Mississippi House of Representatives, and Mississippi’s elected state treasurer.
Fitch has been recognized for her impact on the legal profession — particularly given her status as the first woman to hold the office in Mississippi. Her accolades include being selected as Outstanding Woman Lawyer of 2012, recognized as a Woman Trailblazer by the Mississippi Bar Association, and named to Mississippi’s Top 50 Most Influential Hall of Fame for 2017.
What It Means
In addition to Mississippi and Kentucky, the other state AG election this year takes place in Louisiana where the current AG, Jeff Landry, was elected governor. In his stead, Liz Murrill (R), the solicitor general to Landry faces off against Lindsey Cheek (D), a New Orleans attorney. If Murrill is successful, it will mean that Republicans maintained their role as state AGs in all three southern states.
As we have written about previously, 2024 offers a slew of interesting state AG races.
*Senior Government Relations Manager
