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Michigan Attorney General Race 2026 Voter Guide

Explore the candidates vying for Michigan Attorney General in 2026, their backgrounds, key issues, and what to expect in this pivotal race.

Michigan Attorney General Race 2026 Voter Guide

Table of Contents

Last Update: April 9, 2026

This guide is designed for easy online navigation with clickable sections. If you’d rather download or print a copy, you can get the full PDF version. 

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About Michigan's Attorney General

  1. Introduction
  2. Current Attorney General: Dana Nessel
  3. How Long is the Term and Term Limits
  4. What Does the Attorney General Do?
  5. What to Look for in a Michigan Attorney General
  6. How Michigan Picks Party Nominees for Attorney General
  7. What Are the Candidates Talking About?

Democratic Candidates

  1. Karen McDonald (D) — Prosecuting Attorney, Oakland County
  2. Eli Savit (D) — Prosecuting Attorney, Washtenaw County
  3. William Noakes (D) — Trial Lawyer, Neighborhood Defense Service

Republican Candidates

  1. Doug Loyd (R) — GOP ENDORSED — Prosecuting Attorney, Eaton County
  2. Matt DePerno (R) — Attorney, DePerno Law Office
  3. Kevin Kijewski (R) — Defense Attorney, KDK Law

Dropped Out Candidates

  1. Mark Totten (D) — Former U.S. Attorney, Western District of Michigan

More

About Michigan's Attorney General

Introduction

Michigan's next Attorney General will decide what laws get enforced — and how. Who should it be?

featured-michigan-attorney-general-candidates-2026-1260x630px

The Attorney General is Michigan's top law enforcement officer — the person who decides which cases to pursue, which industries to investigate, and how aggressively the state protects consumers, workers, and the public. It's a powerful office, and in 2026, it's changing hands.

Dana Nessel has served as Attorney General for eight years, but term limits mean she can't run again. That opens the door to a field of candidates — four Democrats and three Republicans — with different backgrounds and very different ideas about how the office should be used.

The Republican Party chose its nominee at an early endorsement convention on March 28th, selecting Doug Loyd. Democrats will hold their endorsement convention on April 19th. Keep in mind that a party endorsement doesn't automatically decide the race — unendorsed candidates can still collect petition signatures and appear on the August 4th primary ballot.

This guide breaks down who they are, what the job actually involves, and what questions are worth asking. We'll keep updating it as the race develops.

Last update: April 9, 2026.

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About Michigan's Attorney General

Current Attorney General: Dana Nessel (D)

dana-nessel-500x500px
  • Website: https://www.michigan.gov/ag
  • Current Job: State of Michigan
  • Job Title: Attorney General
  • Age: 57
  • Date of Birth: 04/19/1969
  • City: Detroit
  • County: Wayne

Dana Nessel, Michigan's current Attorney General, is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026 after serving the maximum two four-year terms. As a result, the office will be open in the next election cycle.

Nessel has announced that she will not seek another term, and is instead expected to focus on supporting Democratic candidates across Michigan. Her departure marks a significant leadership transition in an office that plays a central role in how the state enforces its laws and protects its residents.

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How Long is the Term and Term Limits

  • Term length: 4 years
  • Term limits: 2 terms (8 years total)
  • Next Election: November 3, 2026

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What Does the Attorney General Do?

The Michigan Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer — think of the role as the lawyer for the people of Michigan. The office doesn't make laws, but it plays a major role in how those laws are enforced and whether the state holds powerful interests accountable.

Represent the state in court.

The AG's office defends Michigan in lawsuits — from constitutional challenges to disputes with the federal government. It also files suits on behalf of the state when Michigan's interests are at stake.

Enforce consumer protection laws.

The office investigates and prosecutes fraud, scams, and deceptive business practices that harm Michigan residents. This includes everything from predatory lending to fake charities to price gouging during emergencies.

Antitrust enforcement.

The AG can take action against businesses that engage in anti-competitive practices — protecting Michigan consumers and businesses from monopolistic behavior.

Investigate public corruption.

When public officials abuse their positions, the AG's office can investigate and prosecute. This includes misconduct by local officials, misuse of public funds, and fraud involving government programs.

Defend the state constitution.

The AG issues formal legal opinions on how Michigan's laws and constitution should be interpreted. These opinions guide how state agencies operate and can shape policy without a single vote being cast.

Oversee state agencies.

The office provides legal counsel to state departments and ensures they operate within the boundaries of the law. When agencies face legal challenges, the AG's office steps in.

Medicaid fraud and healthcare enforcement.

Michigan has a dedicated Medicaid Fraud Control Unit within the AG's office that investigates fraud, patient abuse, and billing schemes in the healthcare system.

Environmental protection.

The office can pursue legal action against polluters and enforce environmental laws that protect Michigan's water, air, and land — a particularly significant responsibility given the state's relationship with the Great Lakes.

Civil rights enforcement.

The AG can investigate discrimination and civil rights violations, and has the authority to intervene when constitutional rights are at risk.

The scope of the office means the AG's priorities and philosophy have real consequences for everyday life in Michigan — whether that's how aggressively utility companies are held accountable, how the state responds to federal policy changes, or how resources are directed toward the communities that need the most protection.

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What to Look for in a Michigan Attorney General

Once you understand what the office does, the next question is: what kind of experience and leadership help someone do the job well? Because the Attorney General is essentially the state's top prosecutor and legal strategist, a candidate's legal background and prosecutorial judgment matter enormously — but so does their vision for how the office's power should be used.

Legal experience and credentials.

A strong candidate has substantive legal experience — ideally in prosecution, public interest law, or complex litigation. Understanding how courts work, how cases are built, and how legal strategy is developed is foundational to the role.

Prosecutorial judgment.

The AG has significant discretion in deciding which cases to pursue and which to decline. Good judgment about when and how to use that power — and when to hold back — is as important as the ability to win in court.

Independence.

The AG represents the people of Michigan, not the governor, not the legislature, and not any political party. A track record of acting independently and following the law even when it's politically inconvenient is a meaningful signal.

Management ability.

The AG's office employs hundreds of attorneys and staff across multiple divisions. Running a large legal organization effectively — setting priorities, managing resources, and maintaining accountability — requires genuine leadership experience.

Knowledge of Michigan law and government.

Familiarity with how Michigan's legal system, state agencies, and constitutional structure work matters. An AG who understands the limits of the office is less likely to overreach — and more likely to be effective within those limits.

Consumer and public protection focus.

Because so much of the office's day-to-day work involves protecting ordinary residents from fraud, abuse, and exploitation, a candidate's commitment to that mission — and their record of acting on it — is worth examining closely.

Communication and transparency.

The AG is often the public face of major investigations and legal actions. The ability to explain complex legal matters clearly, keep the public informed, and communicate honestly about what the office is and isn't doing is an important part of the job.

Ethical track record.

Perhaps more than any other statewide office, the AG is expected to model the rule of law. A candidate's personal and professional ethical record deserves serious scrutiny.

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How Michigan Picks Party Nominees for Attorney General

Michigan doesn't hold public primaries for most statewide offices — including Secretary of State, Attorney General, Michigan Supreme Court, and state university boards. Instead, each political party selects its nominees at conventions, where credentialed delegates decide who appears on the November general election ballot.

Read How Michigan Chooses Nominees for Statewide Offices to learn how the process works, how early endorsements have shifted the political calendar, and how you can participate in shaping who makes it to the general election.

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What Are the Candidates Talking About?

The 2026 Attorney General race is still developing, but a few core themes are already driving the conversation. Here's a plain-language look at where the two parties generally stand.

How the Office Should Be Used

This is the deepest divide in the race. Democrats argue the AG's office should be an active protector of residents — taking on corporate wrongdoing, defending civil rights, and pushing back against federal overreach. Republicans argue the office under Dana Nessel became too political and want to return it to straightforward, facts-and-evidence law enforcement.

Federal Overreach

Democratic candidates are running explicitly on continuing Michigan's legal battles against the Trump administration — on everything from Medicaid cuts to voting rights to regulatory rollbacks. Republican candidates are more aligned with the current federal administration and frame Nessel's approach as "political lawfare" that they intend to end.

Public Safety

Both parties say public safety is a top priority, but they emphasize different things. Democrats are highlighting gun violence, human trafficking, and hate crimes — and pointing to prosecutorial records as proof they can deliver. Republicans are focused on crime, supporting law enforcement, and what they describe as holding all lawbreakers accountable regardless of politics.

Reproductive Rights

Democratic candidates have been explicit about defending abortion rights as part of the AG's role. Republican candidates have not made it a centerpiece of their campaigns.

Election-Related Prosecutions

Republican candidates — particularly those not endorsed by the party — have emphasized their willingness to pursue election fraud cases and push back on what they call politically motivated prosecutions of Trump allies. The GOP-endorsed candidate, Doug Loyd, has struck a more measured tone, saying the office should focus on facts and evidence rather than politics.

Consumer Protection & Corporate Accountability

Democratic candidates want to continue and expand the AG's consumer protection work — taking on utilities, healthcare companies, and other powerful interests. Republican candidates are less focused on this but generally support enforcement when fraud is clear-cut.

Issues, positions, and candidates can change as the race develops. Michigan Women will continue tracking the race and sharing updates.

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Democratic Candidates

The Michigan Democratic Party will hold its endorsement convention on April 19, 2026, in Detroit, where party members will vote to back a candidate for Attorney General from the three-person field of Karen McDonald, Eli Savit, and William Noakes.

Karen McDonald (D)

Karen McDonald
  • Website: https://mcdonaldforag.com/
  • Current Job: Oakland County Prosecutor's Office
  • Job Title: Prosecuting Attorney
  • Age: 55
  • Date of Birth: 07/11/1970
  • City: Birmingham
  • County: Oakland

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Eli Savit (D)

Eli Savit
  • Website: https://eliformichigan.com/
  • Current Job: Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office
  • Job Title: Prosecuting Attorney
  • Age: 42
  • Date of Birth: 1983
  • City: Ann Arbor
  • County: Washtenaw

Articles

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William Noakes (D)

William Noakes
  • Website: -
  • Current Job: Neighborhood Defense Service
  • Job Title: Trial Lawyer
  • Age: -
  • Date of Birth: -
  • City: Detroit
  • County: Wayne

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Republican Candidates

The Michigan Republican Party held its early endorsement convention on March 28, 2026, where party delegates voted to back Doug Loyd as their preferred candidate for Attorney General ahead of the November general election.

GOP ENDORSED: Doug Loyd (R)

Doug Loyd received 63% of delegate votes at the March 28 GOP endorsement convention in Novi, defeating fellow Republican Kevin Kijewski. Unendorsed candidates can still collect petition signatures to appear on the August 4th primary ballot.

Doug Loyd
  • Website: https://votedouglloyd.com/
  • Current Job: Eaton County Prosecutor's Office
  • Job Title: Prosecuting Attorney
  • Age: 58
  • Date of Birth: 1967
  • City: -
  • County: Eaton

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Unendorsed Republican Candidates

Matt DePerno (R)
Matt DePerno
  • Website: -
  • Current Job: DePerno Law Office
  • Job Title: Attorney
  • Age: 56
  • Date of Birth: 07/18/1969
  • City: -
  • County: Kalamazoo

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Kevin Kijewski (R)
Kevin Kijewski
  • Website: -
  • Current Job: KDK Law
  • Job Title: Defense Attorney
  • Age: 43
  • Date of Birth: 1982
  • City: Birmingham
  • County: Oakland

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Dropped Out Candidates

Mark Totten (D)

Mark Totten
  • Website: https://marktotten.com/
  • Former Job: U.S. Department of Justice, Western District of Michigan
  • Job Title: U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan
  • Age: 52
  • Date of Birth: 03/07/1974
  • City: Kalamazoo
  • County: Kalamazoo

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Political Committees

Understanding political committees and campaign finance laws is crucial for informed voting. The following PACs have registered campaign activity related to the Attorney General race. They are not candidates. You can search the full list at mi-boe.entellitrak.com.

  • United Wholesale Mortgage PAC — Political arm of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), one of the nation's largest wholesale mortgage lenders, headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan. https://www.uwm.com/
  • RSD Political Action Fund — Michigan-based PAC. No public website identified.
  • LEE – Texas PAC — Out-of-state PAC based in Texas. No public website identified.
  • UNITE HERE TIP Campaign Committee – Michigan — Labor union PAC representing hospitality workers including hotel, restaurant, and casino employees. https://unitehere.org/
  • Pursuit of Justice — Michigan PAC. No public website identified.
  • Young for Michigan PAC — Michigan PAC. No public website identified.
  • Chaldean Chamber Political Action Committee — Political arm of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, representing Michigan's large Iraqi-Chaldean business community. https://www.chaldeanchamber.com/
  • Health Care Association of Michigan Political Action Committee — PAC representing Michigan's long-term care industry, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. https://www.hcam.org/
  • Plumbers and Steamfitters 85 PAC — Labor union PAC representing plumbers and steamfitters in Michigan. https://www.local85.org/
  • Plumbers Union Local 98 — Labor union PAC representing Detroit-area plumbers. https://www.plumbers98.org/
  • United Food and Commercial Workers Active Ballot Club — Labor union PAC representing grocery, meatpacking, and retail workers across Michigan. https://www.ufcw.org/
  • Emily's List Michigan — PAC affiliated with the national organization focused on electing Democratic pro-choice women to office. https://www.emilyslist.org/

The AG race has drawn just 12 outside committees compared to 109 for governor — a reflection of how much more attention and money the governor's race is attracting this cycle.

Learn about their roles, regulations, and how to stay informed: What Are Political Committees (PACs) in Elections

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Content Disclaimer: Our team researches information from official websites, news outlets, and other public resources to make it easier for Michigan residents to stay informed. We strive to provide accurate, balanced, and up-to-date information, but we may occasionally miss updates or changes. Michigan Women is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and does not support or oppose any political candidate or party. This content is intended solely for civic education and public awareness.