Republican candidates for attorney general are focusing on crime, border security, and public safety, hoping these issues will motivate voters in November and position them against Democratic policies related to immigration and law enforcement.
The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) and its affiliates have embarked on a substantial $11 million campaign targeting key battleground states this fall, with the initial ad buys aimed at attorney general races in states like Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Kansas.
“I think we’ve figured out that being aggressive works,” stated RAGA President Austin Knudsen, who is also Montana’s attorney general. He added that a bold approach is effective.
Republicans argue that this initiative represents a larger effort to challenge Democratic narratives on crime and public safety in some of the most fiercely contested races in the nation.
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Knudsen believes public safety is a top priority for the next attorney general races nationwide. “People genuinely care about safety and effective law enforcement,” he noted.
He also pointed out that attorney general elections are becoming increasingly nationalized, allowing for quick legal responses to federal policies through lawsuits and multi-state coalitions.
Republicans have successfully challenged the Biden administration on several issues, including winning a Supreme Court case that struck down Biden’s student loan forgiveness initiative. They have also sought to block the administration’s revised repayment plans and have been involved in legal battles over Title IX protections concerning gender identity.
“If there’s a problematic policy from Washington, we’ve got the capability to respond rapidly,” Knudsen commented.
Moreover, the ad reservations mark an extension of ongoing Republican efforts. Iowa’s Republican Attorney General Brenna Byrd has already arranged for over $2 million in advertising for the fall season, and RAGA has reported raising a record $29.3 million among its affiliates in 2025.
RAGA Executive Director Adam Piper emphasized Republicans’ plan to tap into dissatisfaction among voters regarding progressive criminal justice reforms pushed by Democrats in battleground regions.
“We believe there’s a solid strategy for 2026, and we’ll be taking the offensive because many voters prefer a Republican attorney general focused on public safety over a Democrat who appeases criminals with policies like cashless bail,” he remarked.
Republicans are especially focusing on Michigan in this debate.
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Doug Lloyd, the Republican candidate for attorney general in Michigan and a longtime Eaton County prosecutor, believes that safety concerns cross party lines. “Citizens want to feel secure, and right now, a lot of them don’t,” he asserted, suggesting it’s a common issue that resonates strongly.
Lloyd accused Democratic prosecutors of selectively enforcing laws, indicating a troubling trend towards disorder. “When officials say they won’t enforce the laws put in place by Congress, it’s a dangerous path,” he expressed. “The public is tired of this situation after eight years.”
In Georgia, Republicans are scrutinizing Democratic nominee Tanya Miller for her stance against a law that mandates local compliance with federal immigration efforts.
Knudsen noted that recent experiences during the Biden administration taught Republicans how receptive voters are to having their attorneys general challenge Democratic policies in court.
“We’ve seen significant challenges with issues like fentanyl and cartel activities stemming from the southern border,” he mentioned.
He emphasized that voters now recognize the importance of the attorney general role. Knudsen suggested the increased attention on these races is a result of their recent accomplishments. “If something major occurs nationally, we can act quickly,” he added.
Fox News Digital has reached out for comments from the Democratic Bar Association.
