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These Michigan Democrats are Running for Attorney General

October 23, 2025

Three Democratic candidates are currently vying for Michigan's attorney general position as current AG Dana Nessel approaches her term limit. The contenders include Washtenaw County prosecutor Eli Savit, who has implemented progressive criminal justice reforms; former U.S. Attorney Mark Totten, who previously ran for the position in 2014; and Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald, who has focused on juvenile justice and hate crimes initiatives. Unlike primary elections, nominees for attorney general in Michigan are selected at state party conventions, with Democrats scheduled to choose their candidate on April 19, 2026, ahead of the November general election against Republican opponents.

Who is affected

  • Michigan residents who interact with the criminal justice system
  • Individuals held in pretrial detention (roughly half of Michigan's jail population)
  • Victims of domestic abuse, hate crimes, and discrimination
  • People charged with low-level drug offenses
  • Juveniles in the justice system
  • Victims of human trafficking
  • Michigan voters who will select the next attorney general

What action is being taken

  • Three Democratic candidates are campaigning for their party's nomination for attorney general
  • Candidates are gathering endorsements from legislators, mayors, and labor organizations across Michigan
  • Democratic party is preparing for its nominating convention scheduled for April 19, 2026
  • Candidates are presenting their policy positions and prosecutorial experience to party delegates
  • Republican candidates are also campaigning for their party's nomination

Why it matters

  • The attorney general is responsible for prosecuting Michigan state laws
  • The position holds significant influence over criminal justice policies and enforcement priorities
  • The race will determine who leads Michigan's legal office after Nessel's term ends
  • Different candidates represent varying approaches to criminal justice, from Savit's progressive reforms to McDonald's focus on trafficking and hate crimes
  • The outcome will impact how Michigan addresses issues like cash bail, drug offenses, racial disparities in prosecution, gun violence, and human trafficking

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle

These Michigan Democrats are Running for Attorney General