With control of Congress on the ballot in November, state attorney general races are gaining increased attention. Partisan groups, corporate interests, and advocacy networks are intensifying campaigns for these offices, which are playing a growing role in American politics.
Republican organizations dedicated to these contests raised a record $29 million last year in preparation for the 2026 midterms. Democratic counterparts reported raising $28 million, double their usual amount at this stage in the election cycle. Some 30 seats are on the ballot this year, attracting money from technology companies, tobacco companies, and other entities potentially facing scrutiny from state attorneys general.
The Rising Importance of Attorneys General
“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.
Attorneys general are increasingly seen as key stepping stones in political careers. Ten current governors previously held the position of attorney general, including three elected in 2024. Former California Attorney General Kamala Harris had three former attorneys general serving as governors as finalists to be her running mate in the 2024 presidential election: Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.
The political potential of the office is attracting increased donor interest. Adam Piper, executive director of the Republican Attorneys General Association, stated that attorneys general “used to be the underdogs in the races” for top-of-the-ballot offices, but “now, they’re the favorite in them.”
Key Races and Legal Battles
Priority races for party organizations are in swing states like Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin, all won by Democrats in 2022. Democrats are also targeting Republican-leaning states such as Georgia, Kansas, and Ohio, although Republicans are focusing on potential pickups in Minnesota and New York.
In Texas, a runoff election is scheduled for May 26 between U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton for the Republican nomination for attorney general. Current Attorney General Ken Paxton is simultaneously running for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate against incumbent John Cornyn, also a former attorney general. Paxton was recently acquitted of corruption charges and has pursued legal action regarding gender-affirming care and abortion cases, even across state lines.
Both Roy and Middleton have pledged to stop what they call the “Islamification” of Texas. Middleton stated he would investigate financier George Soros if elected. Roy emphasized the advantage of focusing on a single office, stating, “I’ll be one of one instead of one of 435 (members of the U.S. House) fighting for you.” The Democratic runoff in Texas features state Sen. Nathan Johnson and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski, with any statewide Democratic victory considered an upset.
Nationally, 24 Democratic officials – 22 attorneys general and two governors – recently sued the Trump administration over tariffs. Democratic officials have filed over 80 lawsuits against the administration since Trump returned to office, winning favorable rulings in the majority of cases. Sean Rankin, president of the Democratic Attorneys General Association, said his members are “the only lever to hold Trump accountable” due to a compliant, Republican-controlled Congress.
Arizona’s Attorney General and Ongoing Cases
In Arizona, Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat who won her seat by 280 votes in 2022, claims lawsuits against the administration have saved the state $1.5 billion. She initiated criminal charges against Kalshi, a prediction market company, accusing it of illegal gambling.
Republican candidate Rodney Glassman has pledged to withdraw from Mayes’s legal challenges, calling them “clickbait.” He is also seeking to halt criminal prosecutions Mayes has pursued against Trump’s former chief of staff Mark Meadows, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and others for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. A Republican victory in Arizona could potentially accelerate efforts to pursue claims of voter fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money was raised by Republican organizations for attorney general races?
Republican organizations raised a record $29 million in preparation for the 2026 midterms.
How many attorney general seats are being contested this year?
Some 30 seats are on the ballot this year.
What role have attorneys general played in legal challenges to the current administration?
Democratic attorneys general have filed more than 80 lawsuits against the administration and have had favorable rulings in the majority of them.
As state attorney general races gain prominence, will this trend continue to shape the national political landscape?
