Pennsylvania’s attorney general (AG) serves as the Commonwealth’s chief prosecutor and law enforcement official, representing the public’s interest in court while overseeing criminal, civil, and public protection divisions.
In recent years, the office has participated in landmark multistate litigation involving pharmaceutical and natural gas companies and intervened in attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Current AG
Michelle Henry, who succeeded Gov. Josh Shapiro, is not running for the office, resulting in an open and crowded primary. Five Democrats — including two prosecutors, a state auditor general, and a public defender —
are running, with no candidate yet endorsed by the state party. On the Republican side, State Rep. Craig Williams challenges York County District Attorney Dave Sunday, who earned the GOP’s endorsement in January.
JOE KHAN
BIOGRAPHY
Public sector attorney. Former Bucks County Solicitor, where he defended ballots against Pres. Trump's legal challenge in 2020. Previously prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office. Brother of Pa. Rep. Tarik Khan.
DRUGS
States that opioid crisis led him to “a new chapter in civil justice.” Involved in major lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies as Solicitor and used settlement funds for drug prevention and treatment.
CARCERAL REFORM
Pledged to “provide a model for best practices” on bail, forfeiture, and diversion. Vows to “root out police corruption” and tackle “culture of cronyism.” Plans to issue pardons “fearlessly” to overturn past marijuana convictions resulting from “unfair and unequal application” of laws to communities of color. Created Pardons and Expungement Unit as Solicitor and enacted “ban the box” fair hiring policy.
GUN CONTROL
Touts experience as federal prosecutor reducing gun violence through “strategic” intervention. Coordinated team that prosecuted gun traffickers while curbing “cycles of retaliatory violence” and assisting ex-offenders with reentry.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Vowed to prosecute environmental crimes. Plans to restructure Environmental Crimes Unit to “address the broader issue of environmental justice.” Campaign website highlights lawsuits brought against 3M, DuPont, and Tyco for water pollution.
ENDORSEMENTS
Clean Air Action Fund, The Impact Fund, Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance; Pa. State Sens. Katie Muth, Nikil Saval, and Steve Santarsiero, and 20+ county and local officials.
JARED SOLOMON
BIOGRAPHY
Philadelphia County state representative (Pa. House District 202). Securities and anti-trust lawyer. Current Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in Pennsylvania National Guard, formerly Army Reserve.
DRUGS
Named opioid epidemic as “Pennsylvania’s top public safety crisis.” Pledges a “multi-prong” approach encompassing prevention, treatment, recovery, and enforcement. Worked to drop criminal charges for those who sought substance use disorder treatment in approved programs. Vows to bolster “interdiction and interception” of drugs and prosecute fentanyl traffickers.
CARCERAL REFORM
Supports expungement of those serving prison time for possessing small amounts of marijuana. Believes in legalizing marijuana for “adult medical and recreational use.” Sponsored bill to seal criminal records for low-level, non-violent drug felonies.
GUN CONTROL
Pledges to “take on the gun lobby” and implement “commonsense gun reforms.” Supports stronger red-flag laws, assault weapons ban, expanded background checks, closing the “ghost gun” loophole, and community-based gun violence reduction initiatives such as rehabbing blighted properties. Cites need for police training and reinvestment; campaign website states “we don’t need fewer police — we need a different type of policing.”
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Pledged to “conserve and maintain our environment by holding corporate polluters, frackers, or illegal dumpers accountable when they commit environmental crimes” via civil fines, restitution, and criminal charges. Supports stronger environmental regulation.
ENDORSEMENTS
Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association, Pittsburgh Fire Fighters IAFF Local No. 1, and other labor organizations. Twenty members of the state legislature including Allegheny County Reps. Dan Miller, Abigail Salisbury, and Anita Kulik. VoteVets.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Pledged to “fight for environmental and economic justice.” Touts experience prosecuting chemical companies and a gas pipeline manufacturer for pollution. Established an Environmental Crimes Unit.
ENDORSEMENTS
Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council, Allegheny & Fayette County AFL-CIO, Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Teamsters Joint Council 53.