Last Update: August 7, 2026. Garlin Gilchrist vs. Anthony Forlini: Who should run Michigan's...
Last Update: August 7, 2026. Eli Savit vs. Doug Lloyd: who should be Michigan's top cop? A plain-language guide to the 2026 Attorney General Race.
Table of Contents
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 This Guide
- About the Attorney General Race
- Meet the Candidates
- How the Money is Flowing: Campaign Finance Overview
- What Happens After Election Day?
- Who Is the Attorney General Now?
- What Does the Attorney General Do?
- What Has the Attorney General Been Doing?
- What to Look for in a Michigan Attorney General
- How to Vote in Michigan
- Help Build a More Informed Michigan
About This Guide
This guide is designed to help you understand both the office and the election—not tell you how to vote.
We begin by explaining what the office does, how much authority it has, and why it matters. From there, we cover the current race, the major issues, what to look for in a candidate, and profiles of everyone seeking the office. The goal is to provide the context you need to evaluate candidates based on the responsibilities of the job—not just campaign headlines.
Michigan Women updates these guides throughout the election cycle as new information becomes available. We review official government records, campaign websites, debate transcripts, campaign finance filings, public statements, and reporting from a wide range of reputable news organizations. New information is verified before it is added, and significant changes are incorporated as the race develops.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Michigan Women does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties. Our role is to make Michigan government and elections easier to understand so every voter can make informed decisions with confidence.
To learn more about our research process, editorial standards, and commitment to nonpartisan civic education, visit our Strategy & Impact Guide:
https://michwomen.com/blog/michigan-women-strategy-impact-guide#voice-editorial-standards
About the Race for Michigan AG
Michigan's next Attorney General will decide what laws get enforced — and how. Who should it be?
Dana Nessel has held the position for eight years, but term limits mean she's out. That means Michigan will have a brand-new Attorney General in 2027, at a time when consumer protection, civil rights enforcement, and the state's legal fights with the federal government are higher-profile than ever.
Unlike the governor's race, this one skips the August primary in practice. Michigan's two major parties pick their Attorney General nominee at conventions, not at the ballot box. Both parties have already chosen:
- Democrats nominated Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit on April 19, 2026, and
- Republicans nominated Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd on March 28, 2026.
Unendorsed candidates can still collect petition signatures to get on the primary ballot, but the conventions are where this race was effectively decided.
Where things stand
The field started with four Democrats and three Republicans, and has narrowed since. Former U.S. Attorney Mark Totten dropped out of the Democratic race in January after the UAW endorsed Karen McDonald instead. Savit went on to defeat McDonald and public defender William Noakes for the Democratic endorsement at the April convention.
On the Republican side, Lloyd defeated defense attorney Kevin Kijewski outright, winning 63% of delegate votes at the March convention in Novi; attorney Matt DePerno, who is currently facing felony charges from his role in the 2020 "fake electors" scheme, remains in the race as an unendorsed Republican.
That leaves two clear frontrunners heading into November: Savit, a Washtenaw County prosecutor known for progressive policies like ending cash bail and decriminalizing sex work and psychedelic mushrooms locally, and Lloyd, a 30-year prosecutor who has led the Eaton County Prosecutor's Office for more than a decade.
Who's ahead in the general election?
No independent or campaign-sponsored poll has tested a Savit vs. Lloyd general-election matchup yet. This race hasn't drawn the donor or media attention needed to generate the kind of regular horse-race polling you're seeing in the governor's race.
Top issues shaping the race
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 each candidate stands on the key issues.
| Issue | Eli Savit (D) | Doug Lloyd (R) | Shared? |
|---|---|---|---|
| How the office should be used | Active protector of residents — taking on corporate wrongdoing, defending civil rights, and pushing back against federal overreach. "I don't care who it is that's screwing you over — I'm going to be in court standing up for you." | Return to facts-and-evidence law enforcement. Says the office under Nessel became too political. "We're supposed to look at facts and evidence. That got lost and it needs to return." | ✅ Shared topic, opposite philosophy — Savit: expansive use of office as public protector; Lloyd: narrow enforcement role strictly within the law |
| Consumer protection | Top priority. Will stop price gouging, wage theft, and deceptive practices. Plans to use AG rulemaking authority to ban AI-driven surveillance pricing in first 100 days. Will not accept donations from utility companies. | Supports enforcement when fraud is clear-cut. Less emphasis on proactive consumer protection initiatives. No specific commitments on utility or pharmaceutical accountability. | ✅ Shared topic, lopsided emphasis — Savit makes it a centerpiece with specific mechanisms; Lloyd supports it in clear-cut cases only |
| Public safety | Prosecute serious crime while also preventing it. Highlights domestic violence, sexual assault, and cold case rape kit initiatives. Built specialized units in Washtenaw County; wants to expand them statewide. | Focus on facts-and-evidence prosecution. Wants to take on large cross-county drug trafficking cases to support local prosecutors. "Hold all lawbreakers accountable regardless of politics." | ✅ Shared — both lead with prosecutorial records, but Savit emphasizes specialized units and prevention; Lloyd emphasizes impartiality and drug trafficking |
| Federal overreach | Will continue Michigan's legal battles against the Trump administration on Medicaid, voting rights, and regulatory rollbacks. Named Trump directly as someone he'll take to court if needed. | Will review all roughly 50 lawsuits filed against the federal government and assess whether each actually benefits Michigan citizens. Frames Nessel's approach as "political lawfare." | ✅ Shared topic, opposite stance — Savit will continue and expand; Lloyd will reassess and likely wind down |
| Reproductive rights | Will defend abortion rights as part of the AG's role. Has litigated at every level of the judiciary to protect reproductive freedom, including alongside Governor Whitmer to overturn Michigan's pre-Roe abortion ban. | Says the 2022 constitutional amendment settled the question — the AG's job is to enforce the law as written. Has not made reproductive rights a centerpiece of his campaign. | ✅ Shared topic, different framing — Savit: active defender; Lloyd: enforce what voters already decided, no further role |
| Gun laws | Supports common-sense reforms to keep firearms out of dangerous hands. Has successfully advocated for legislative changes on gun safety as Washtenaw County prosecutor. | Supports Second Amendment rights and constitutional carry. Will work to repeal Michigan's red flag laws and replace them with alternatives that include stronger due process protections. | ✅ Shared topic, opposite direction — Savit: tighter restrictions; Lloyd: expand rights, repeal red flag laws |
| Election integrity | Will protect voting rights and defend against federal overreach into state elections. Has litigated to protect Michigan voter data from Trump administration demands. | Will investigate credible allegations of election fraud and prosecute violations wherever evidence leads. Wants clear coordination between the AG, local prosecutors, sheriffs, and election officials before, during, and after elections. | ✅ Shared topic, different emphasis — Savit: protect access and voter data; Lloyd: enforce election laws and prosecute fraud |
| Environmental protection | Will hold corporate polluters accountable. Has previously sued Shell, Exxon, and DuPont on behalf of other states. Would be the first Michigan AG with prior experience as a practicing environmental lawyer. | No specific environmental enforcement positions stated publicly. | Savit only |
| Workers' rights | Will fight wage theft, payroll fraud, labor trafficking, and unsafe working conditions. Will stand with workers against attempts to deprive them of the right to organize. | No specific positions on workers' rights stated publicly. | Savit only |
| Sanctuary cities | No specific position stated publicly. | Opposes sanctuary city policies. Will work with Republican leadership to cut state funding to sanctuary cities and coordinate with federal authorities on a joint task force to prosecute criminals shielded by those policies. | Lloyd only |
| Political lawfare / weaponized prosecutions | Not raised as a specific concern. | Will stand firmly against politically motivated prosecutions. Criticized Nessel for "going after certain individuals while protecting others." Pledges to prosecute crimes "without political favor or bias." | Lloyd only |
Issues, positions, and candidates can change as the race develops. Michigan Women will continue tracking the race and sharing updates.
In the News
The race is moving quickly. Below is a curated collection of recent coverage from local and national outlets — endorsements, fact-checks, candidate interviews, and more. We don't pick sides; we just pull the sources together so you can read for yourself.
Voter Guides and Election Trackers
- Ballotpedia — Michigan Attorney General Election, 2026. Nonpartisan encyclopedia-style overview of the race, including candidate lists, convention process, and election history. https://ballotpedia.org/Michigan_Attorney_General_election,_2026
- Wikipedia — 2026 Michigan Attorney General Election. Running summary of the race with candidate information and background. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Michigan_Attorney_General_election
- Bridge Michigan — 2026 Michigan Voter Guide. Statewide voter guide covering the AG race alongside other key 2026 contests. https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/2026-michigan-voter-guide/
- Michigan Advance — 2026 Michigan General Election Voter Guide. Ongoing coverage and candidate profiles from Michigan Advance, a nonprofit news organization covering state government and politics. https://michiganadvance.com/voter-guides/2026-michigan-primary-election/
Meet the Candidates
Michigan picks party nominees for Attorney General at party conventions, not through primary elections. In the spring of 2026, the delegates from the Michigan Republican Party chose Doug Lloyd as their nominee, and the delegates from the Michigan Democratic Party chose Eli Savit as their nominee.
To learn more about the nomination process, 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.
DEMOCRATIC ENDORSED: Eli Savit (D)
The Michigan Democratic Party held its endorsement convention on April 19, 2026, in Detroit, where party members voted to back Eli Savit for Attorney General ahead of the November General Election.
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Hear from Eli Savit
Eli Savit talks vying for Michigan Attorney General's office (July 25, 2026)
Watch Below | Download the Transcript
Top priorities he names
- Hold powerful actors accountable in court — corporations, polluters, wage thieves, and federal overreach alike
- Domestic violence and sexual assault prosecution — continue and expand specialized units and cold case rape kit initiatives built under Nessel's Operation Survivor Justice
- Worker and consumer protection — stop wage theft, consumer scams, price gouging, and slumlords; modeled on the Economic Justice Unit he built in Washtenaw County
- AI-driven surveillance pricing — use AG rulemaking authority under the Consumer Protection Act to ban algorithmic price gouging; pledges action in first 100 days
- Gordie Howe Bridge/infrastructure — served as lead U.S. negotiator for the City of Detroit, securing a $48 million community benefits agreement with the Canadian government for Southwest Detroit residents
Tone
Issue-focused and prosecutorial. Savit leads with jurisdiction and track record rather than personal narrative — he's most comfortable in the "here's what I've done, here's what I'll do" frame. Uses a concrete retail anecdote (new mom on Instacart at 4 a.m.) to humanize the AI pricing point, but it's the exception rather than the pattern. Generally low-heat, confident, and competence-forward.
Contrast/attack lines
- Names Trump directly as someone he'll take to court if needed — "whether it's the President of the United States himself, I'm going to be in court standing up for you"
- Implicitly contrasts himself with Lloyd without naming him — frames the AG role as protecting people from powerful interests, leaving the contrast implicit
Top Priorities from Official Websites
The priorities below are drawn from the candidate's official campaign website and the Michigan Republican Party website and reflect the issues the campaign specifically chose to emphasize.
- Keep Michigan safe — prosecute and prevent serious crime, including sex crimes, domestic violence, child abuse, and gun violence
- Fight for our rights — voting rights, the right to education, and reproductive freedom; state enforcement of civil rights as the federal government steps back
- Defend workers — fight wage theft, payroll fraud, labor trafficking, and unsafe working conditions; protect the right to organize
- Protect consumers — stop price gouging, deceptive practices, and consumer abuse; revitalize Michigan's Consumer Protection Act
- Safeguard the Constitution — protect free speech, due process, and freedom from federal overreach
- Protect the environment — hold corporate polluters accountable; protect Michigan's air, water, and Great Lakes
- Promote justice for all — support evidence-based rehabilitation and community-based programs for lower-level offenses
- Work with local communities — partner with local governments and communities to address local concerns
Endorsements
Notable endorsements include former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow; U.S. Senator Gary Peters; U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib; former Michigan Democratic Party chairs Lavora Barnes and Lon Johnson; and former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Conrad Mallett. On the labor side, Savit has secured endorsements from the Michigan AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, Michigan Education Association, Michigan Nurses Association, SEIU Michigan, and the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, among others. Organizations endorsing Savit include Reproductive Freedom for All, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, the Sierra Club, Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords PAC, and Equality Michigan Action Network, as well as numerous Democratic state legislators, mayors, and local elected officials across the state.
Career
- Currently Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney, elected in 2020 on a decarceral platform aimed at reducing the number of people held in prisons and jails
- As prosecutor, ended the use of cash bail as a condition of pretrial release for most defendants, decriminalized consensual sex work, and decriminalized small-scale use of psychedelic mushrooms in Washtenaw County
- Has continued to prosecute violent crime, sexual assault, and human trafficking under these policies
- Won the Michigan Democratic Party's endorsement for Attorney General at the April 19, 2026 convention
Personal
- Born 1982 or 1983; grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan — the son of two educators
- Attended Kalamazoo College in western Michigan, where he played four years of college basketball; graduated from the University of Michigan Law School
- After law school, clerked for two federal circuit court judges, then served as a law clerk at the U.S. Supreme Court for Justices Sandra Day O'Connor (ret.) and Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Started his career as a public school teacher, teaching special-education and general-education 8th-grade U.S. history
- Lives in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County
Race Notes
Republicans, including Michigan GOP Chair Jim Runestad and the Republican Attorneys General Association, have criticized Savit's local record on bail and decriminalization as evidence he'd be "soft on crime," pointing in part to a May 2026 Oakland County carjacking case. Savit disputes that his policies played a role in that case's outcome and says he's not running on those local policies statewide. Some centrist Democrats have voiced similar concerns about where the line falls between progressive and lax enforcement.
GOP ENDORSED: Doug Lloyd (R)
The Michigan Republican Party held its early endorsement convention on March 28, 2026, where Doug Lloyd received 63% of delegate votes, defeating fellow Republican Kevin Kijewski.
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Hear from Doug Lloyd
Michigan Republican Attorney General candidate Doug Lloyd discusses campaign (August 1, 2026)
Watch below | Download Transcript
Top priorities he names
- Return the AG's office to facts-and-evidence law enforcement, away from what he calls the politicization of the Nessel era
- Review and reassess the roughly 50 lawsuits filed against the federal government — asking whether each one actually benefits Michigan citizens
- Drug trafficking: focus AG resources on large, cross-county trafficking cases to take pressure off local prosecutors
- Gun rights: enforce Second Amendment protections while holding accountable those who commit crimes with firearms
- Abortion: says the 2022 constitutional amendment settled the question — the AG's job is to enforce the law as written
Tone
Experience-first and process-focused. Lloyd leads with his 30-year prosecutorial career and consistently frames the AG role in narrow, technical terms — the office enforces the law, it doesn't make it or decide which laws are worth following. Low heat throughout; no big rhetorical swings. The consistent through-line is restraint: the AG's job is to enforce, not to rewrite.
Contrast/attack lines
- Says Nessel "went after certain individuals while protecting others" — characterizes this as politicization, doesn't name specific cases
- Calls Savit "progressive way past Dana" and points to his Rashida Tlaib endorsement as evidence of his ideological positioning
- Says Savit "made the determination that he's not going to enforce laws" based on his Washtenaw County policies — frames this as disqualifying for a statewide AG role
- Draws a clear line: the legislature writes laws, courts interpret them, the AG enforces them — uses this framework to implicitly criticize both Nessel and Savit
Top Priorities from Official Websites
The priorities below are drawn from the candidate's official campaign website and the Michigan Republican Party website and reflect the issues the campaign specifically chose to emphasize.
Campaign Website
- Prosecute criminals fairly, without political favor or bias.
- Advise lawmakers in crafting strong, commonsense laws for Michigan.
- Protect your God-given constitutional rights without compromise.
- Stand firmly against political lawfare and weaponized prosecutions.
- Root out corruption, stop political overreach, and defend Michigan’s sovereignty.
Michigan Republican Party Website
- Election integrity (investigate credible fraud allegations, work with local prosecutors/sheriffs)
- Sanctuary cities (cut state funding, coordinate federal task force)
- Red flag laws (repeal and replace with due-process-respecting alternatives)
- Constitutional carry (support passing it)
Endorsements
Notable endorsements include former Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, former Governor John Engler, U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, and the Republican Attorneys General Association. Lloyd has also drawn support from numerous county sheriffs, fellow prosecuting attorneys, Michigan state legislators, and local officials across the state.
Career
- Currently Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney
- Won the Michigan Republican Party's endorsement for Attorney General at the March 28, 2026 convention, defeating fellow Republican Kevin Kijewski with 63% of delegate votes
Personal
- Graduated from UNLV, then moved to Michigan to attend Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing after observing a co-defendant murder trial while interning with the U.S. Secret Service inspired him to pursue law
- Married to Mina Lloyd, also a prosecutor, for 31 years; they have two sons — both Eagle Scouts, All-State athletes, and Michigan State University graduates
- Lives in Eaton County
- Active in the Boy Scouts of America, the Knights of Columbus, and local youth sports leagues
How the Money is Flowing: Campaign Finance Overview
Fundraising is often an indicator of organizational strength and voter enthusiasm. The most recent campaign finance filings available for both candidates cover contributions and spending through December 31, 2025 — earlier than the July 2026 filings available for the governor's race, reflecting the lower donor attention this race has attracted.
Note: Michigan campaign finance law caps individual contributions at $8,325 per election.
| Candidate | Party | Cash on Hand (as of 12/31/2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Eli Savit | Democrat | $185,873.62 |
| Doug Lloyd | Republican | $20,381.03 |
Source: Michigan Bureau of Elections, mi-boe.entellitrak.com. Figures reflect closing balances as of December 31, 2025.
Savit has pledged not to accept contributions from utility companies or their executives — a commitment he has framed as especially relevant to the AG's consumer-protection role. Separately, the Michigan Secretary of State's Office determined on July 30, 2026 that Savit potentially violated campaign finance law by using a Washtenaw County government gas card and vehicle for campaign travel; Savit's campaign has disputed the finding and said he reimbursed the county for the purchases.
Outside spending in this race remains modest — just 12 registered political committees, compared to 109 in the governor's race.
What Happens After Election Day
After the election is certified, the attorney general-elect begins preparing to take office by assembling a transition team, selecting division chiefs and senior staff, and setting enforcement priorities for the new administration. The attorney general-elect also works with the outgoing administration to ensure an orderly transfer of responsibilities across the office's many divisions.
Michigan's attorney general is sworn into office on January 1 following the election. The attorney general serves a four-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms (eight years) under Michigan's constitutional term limits.
A new attorney general can begin shaping the office immediately by directing enforcement priorities, reassigning or closing active investigations, issuing legal opinions that guide how state agencies operate, and deciding which pending lawsuits to continue or drop. Many of these decisions — particularly on consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental enforcement — can have lasting effects on Michigan residents long after a single term ends.
Learn more
- Michigan Constitution of 1963, Article V (Executive Branch): https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/Constitution.pdf
- Michigan Attorney General's Office: https://www.michigan.gov/ag
Who is the Attorney General Now?
Current Attorney General: Dana Nessel (D)
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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.
How Long is the Term and Term Limits
- Term length: 4 years
- Term limits: 2 terms (8 years total)
- Next Election: November 3, 2026
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.
What Has the Attorney General Been Doing?
The Michigan Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer — the person who decides which cases to pursue, which industries to investigate, and how aggressively the state protects consumers, workers, and the public. The examples below highlight some of the major actions taken by Attorney General Dana Nessel's office over the past year. They are intended to illustrate how the office operates in practice and are not a complete list of every action taken. Whenever possible, links are provided to official government sources so you can review the original documents yourself.
Federal Lawsuits to Protect Michigan Funding and Rights
Since January 2025, Nessel has filed 56 lawsuits challenging actions by the Trump administration that she argues violate federal law or harm Michigan residents. Through these cases — filed alongside coalitions of Democratic attorneys general from other states — her office reports securing more than $3.4 billion in preserved federal funding for Michigan, covering healthcare, education, public safety, and other programs. The office reports winning nearly 40 of those cases through court orders or the federal government reversing course following a legal challenge.
Official source: AG Nessel Secures More Than $3.4 Billion for Michiganders Against Unlawful Federal Actions
Election-Related Legal Victories
In June 2026, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's dismissal of a Department of Justice lawsuit that had sought to compel Michigan to turn over sensitive voter information. Separately, Nessel joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in April 2026 challenging a second Trump executive order aimed at restricting voter eligibility and mail voting — that case remained pending as of this guide's last update.
Official source: AG Nessel Secures Two Major Victories Defending State Elections
Michigan Supreme Court Restores Consumer Protection Act
On July 31, 2026, the Michigan Supreme Court reversed two longstanding decisions that had effectively exempted licensed businesses from the Michigan Consumer Protection Act — meaning companies that held a state or federal license could not be sued for deceptive practices or price gouging under the Act. Nessel had been fighting to overturn those precedents, including in her ongoing investigation of Eli Lilly's insulin pricing practices. The ruling significantly expands the AG's authority to pursue consumer protection cases going forward.
Official source: AG Nessel on MSC Reversing Controversial Consumer Protection Decisions
Opioid Crisis Accountability
Nessel's office has secured more than $1.8 billion in opioid-related settlements since taking office, from companies including Purdue Pharma, McKinsey & Co., Cardinal Health, McKesson, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens. Funds are distributed to state and local governments for opioid treatment and remediation programs.
Official source: AG Nessel Highlights Department's Consumer Protection Resources
Consumer Protection Enforcement
In 2025, the AG's Consumer Protection Team recovered $1.88 million for Michigan consumers and businesses. The office's top complaint categories included online scams, home improvement fraud, and deceptive business practices. Nessel has also intervened in utility rate cases — including formally opposing a Consumers Energy rate increase that would have raised household electric bills by up to 13% — and continued a robocall enforcement initiative targeting the billions of unwanted calls made to Michigan residents each year.
Official source: AG Nessel Shares Top Consumer Complaints of 2025
Explore More
Review official documents and announcements from the Attorney General's Office:
- AG Newsroom — https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news
- Press Releases — https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases
- Federal Actions Tracker — https://www.michigan.gov/ag/federal-actions-tracker
- Consumer Protection Resources — https://www.michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection
- File a Consumer Complaint — https://www.michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection/file-a-complaint
- Michigan Legislature — https://www.legislature.mi.gov/
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.
Dropped Out and Unendorsed Candidates
Unendorsed Candidates
Karen McDonald (D)
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Following the April convention, McDonald requested an independent audit of the results rather than filing a formal appeal; the party's appeals committee voted unanimously on June 2, 2026 to take no further action. In June, she announced the launch of the Common Sense Coalition PAC, which she says will support candidates focused on "reason over noise" rather than party loyalty tests.
William Noakes (D)
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Matt DePerno (R)
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Kevin Kijewski (R)
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Dropped Out Candidates
Mark Totten (D)
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How to Vote in Michigan
Knowing who's running is only half the equation. Here's how to make sure your vote actually counts on November 3rd.
Look up your personal voter information
The Michigan Voter Information Center has everything you need in one place. Enter your information at mvic.sos.state.mi.us and you'll see:
- Whether you're registered to vote
- Your polling location on Election Day
- Your early voting location and hours
- Your absentee ballot status
- Your drop box locations
- All of your voting districts — county, state house, state senate, U.S. Congress, school board, and more
- Your local clerk's contact information
Key dates
- General Election: November 3, 2026
- Early voting is available — check the MVIC site for your specific location and hours
- Michigan allows same-day voter registration at your local clerk's office
Not registered? You can register online at mvic.sos.state.mi.us if you have a Michigan driver's license or state ID, by mail, or in person at your local clerk's office. If you're registering within 14 days of an election, you must do so in person.
Voter information is maintained by the Michigan Secretary of State. Contact your local clerk if you have questions about your specific situation.
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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.
