In the 2022 midterm elections, 31 states had contested Attorneys General elections, producing 15 new state AGs so far. The Arizona AG race was decided by just 510 votes, triggering an automatic recount. A judge is expected to announce the recount results in a court hearing set for December 22. In Missouri, AG Eric Schmitt was elected to the U.S. Senate; his successor recently was appointed by the Governor to fill out his term. In Pennsylvania, AG Shapiro was elected governor and his successor will be announced next month, bringing us to 16 new AGs as a result of the midterm elections.
Below, you will find a table summarizing all of these changes. It is one of several charts that are included in the Orrick Public Policy Group's report, "The New State Attorneys General: Profiles and Priorities.” The report provides an overview of each new AG's background and a summary of their stated priorities as their states' top legal officers. The report is easy to navigate: use the bookmarks feature in your PDF app or simply click on the new AG's name in the table of contents.
State AGs are more active and influential than ever, and it's crucial to know who they are and how they're prioritizing their offices' resources. We hope this report will be a useful resource for your colleagues and you.
[1] On November 23, 2022, Governor Parson announced that he is appointing his general counsel, Andrew Bailey, to become Missouri’s next Attorney General. Mr. Bailey will serve out the remaining two years of Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s term. General Schmitt was elected to the U.S. Senate in this past election cycle. Mr. Bailey has already indicated that he plans to run for a full four-year term in 2024.
[2] Interim Attorney General Drew Wrigley (R), a former U.S. Attorney and Lieutenant Governor, defeated attorney Timothy Lamb (D). Wrigley was nominated by Governor Burgum to serve out the remainder of the term of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem (R), who unexpectedly passed away at the beginning of 2022.
[3] Attorney General T.J. Donovan (D) stepped down on June 20, 2022, to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. Outgoing Attorney General Susanne R. Young (R) was appointed to complete the remainder of General Donovan’s term and did not seek election to the office.