Attorney General Races Gain Prominence in 2026 Elections

With control of Congress on the ballot in November, state attorney general races are attracting increased attention and funding, despite often being overshadowed by higher-profile contests. These offices are playing a growing role in American politics, drawing investment from partisan groups, corporate interests, and advocacy networks.

Record Fundraising for 2026 Attorney General Races

Republican organizations dedicated to these contests reported raising a record $29 million in preparation for the 2026 midterms. Democratic counterparts raised $28 million, double their usual amount at this stage in the election cycle. Approximately 30 seats are being contested this year.

Why the Increased Focus on Attorneys General?

Money is flowing into these races from technology companies, tobacco companies, and other entities that could face scrutiny from state attorneys general. Millions are too coming from law firms, unions, and ideological groups, reflecting the rising importance of the position in national policy and as a stepping stone to higher office. As James Tierney, a former Maine attorney general and current Harvard instructor, explained, “Due to the fact that we try to solve so many of our problems with lawsuits, the office of attorney general has become more important.”

Attorneys General as a Political Bench

The attorney general position is increasingly seen as a launchpad for higher office. At least six current attorneys general are running for governor this year. Ten current governors previously held the position of attorney general, including three elected in 2024. The position has even been a springboard to national prominence; Kamala Harris, a former California attorney general, was a presidential candidate in 2024, with several former attorneys general serving as governors being considered as potential running mates – Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.

Republican Interest and Key Races

Adam Piper, executive director of the Republican Attorneys General Association, noted that the political potential of the office is a key driver of 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.”

Priority races for Republican organizations are in swing states like Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin. Democrats are targeting potential gains in Republican-leaning Georgia, Kansas, and Ohio, while Republicans are aiming for pickups in Minnesota and New York.

Texas Attorney General Race

In Texas, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton are competing in a May 26 runoff for the Republican nomination for attorney general. The current officeholder, Ken Paxton, is in a runoff for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate against incumbent John Cornyn. Paxton gained notoriety for his acquittal of corruption charges and his aggressive investigations into gender-affirming care and abortion cases, even across state lines. Both Roy and Middleton have pledged to combat what they describe as the “Islamification” of Texas, with Middleton stating he would investigate financier George Soros if elected.

Roy emphasized the appeal of focusing on state-level issues, 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. A statewide victory for a Democrat in Texas would be considered an upset.

Lawsuits Against the Trump Administration

Democratic attorneys general have been actively challenging the Trump administration in court. A group of 24 Democratic officials – 22 attorneys general and two governors – recently sued the administration over tariffs. According to the Progressive State Leaders Committee, Democratic attorneys general have filed over 80 lawsuits against the administration since Trump’s return to office, winning the majority of those cases.

Sean Rankin, president of the Democratic Attorneys General Association, stated that his members are “the only lever to hold Trump accountable” given the Republican control of Congress.

Arizona Attorney General Race

In Arizona, Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat who won her seat by a narrow margin of 280 votes in 2022, has joined 38 lawsuits against the administration, claiming they have saved Arizona $1.5 billion. She also filed criminal charges against Kalshi, a prediction market company, alleging illegal gambling.

Rodney Glassman, a Republican candidate challenging Mayes, has criticized her lawsuits as “clickbait” and politically motivated. He has pledged to withdraw from the challenges to the administration’s policies if elected and has even solicited donations based on the number of lawsuits Mayes has joined. Glassman is facing state Senate President Warren Peterson in the June 22 primary. Peterson did not respond to interview requests, but recently handed over election records to the FBI.