Attorney's General or Bust!!!

The 2024 election brought Donald Trump back as president, and this makes the job of state Attorney General (AG) one of the most important in politics. With Trump’s government taking away important rights and protections for many people, especially those in minority groups, Democrats need to focus on electing strong AGs. These leaders can fight back against unfair policies and protect people in their states.

Why the AG’s Job Matters

State Attorneys General are powerful because they can make sure laws are fair and stand up to harmful federal policies. For example, President Trump removed a rule from 1965 that helped women and people of color get fair chances at jobs with companies that work for the government. This rule, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, required companies to take steps to give equal opportunities to everyone. Trump’s new rule says that programs for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are unfair. He claims these programs hurt hardworking people, but in reality, they help fix unfair systems.

AGs can stop these kinds of changes by using their legal power. Democrats need to focus their energy and money on electing AGs who will fight for justice and fairness. This is especially important in places like Michigan, where the state recently voted Republican, making people in cities like Detroit more vulnerable.

Michigan’s Fight for Justice

Michigan’s AG can protect the rights of people in the state, especially in Detroit, which has the highest percentage of Black residents of any U.S. city. Detroit also has a large Mexican-American community. These groups might face more challenges under Trump’s policies, like stricter immigration rules and voting restrictions.

In the 2025 Detroit mayoral race, candidates should speak up about how important the AG’s role is. They need to show that having a strong AG can help protect the rights of people in their city. A good AG can fight against rules that hurt immigrant families and keep Black voters safe from unfair voting laws.

A Leader for Michigan

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s Secretary of State is a great example of someone who could become an excellent AG and she needs to seriously consider pivoting to that race. She has a strong legal background and has already worked to make sure elections are fair. Instead of running for governor, she should run for AG. As AG, she could protect people from unfair federal rules, fight for justice, and build her reputation as a leader when everything is seemingly at stake for women and minorities. By doing this, a run for governor in 2030 bolstered with a proven record of helping Michigan residents, would giver her a clear advantage over any challenger or incumbent, .

Why Democrats Should Focus on AG Races

The Democratic Party needs to make AG races a top priority. AGs can:

• Sue the federal government: They can challenge unfair federal rules, like when AGs opposed Trump’s travel ban and environmental rollbacks during his first term.
• Protect voting rights: With federal protections weakening, AGs can stop laws that make it harder for people to vote.
• Enforce fairness: AGs can make sure companies and state agencies treat everyone equally.

By focusing on these races, Democrats can create a team of AGs ready to stand up for justice and fairness, even in tough states. This is important because Republicans might win more elections in the next few years. A strong network of Democratic AGs can help balance the power and protect people.

The Time to Act Is Now

President Trump’s changes to DEI rules hurt programs that help make workplaces fair for everyone. He argues that these programs are unfair to hardworking people, but they actually help fix systems that have been unfair for a long time. AGs can fight back by protecting programs that promote fairness and by making sure everyone has a chance to succeed.

What Mayors Can Do

Mayors, especially in cities like Detroit, have an important role in highlighting why AG races matter. They see firsthand how federal policies affect their communities. Mayors should explain to voters how a strong AG can fight for immigrants, protect voting rights, and keep communities safe. By doing this, they can get more people involved in these important elections.

Building a Team for Justice

To win AG races, Democrats need to work together with:

• Local groups: Organizations that focus on civil rights, the environment, and worker protections can help spread the message.
• Local leaders: Mayors and city officials can encourage people to vote and support AG candidates.
• National leaders: The Democratic Party should make AG races a big part of its strategy and fundraising.

By working as a team, Democrats can make sure AGs are ready to stand up to unfair federal policies and protect people’s rights.

Conclusion

State Attorneys General are more important than ever. With Trump’s administration rolling back protections for minority groups and DEI programs, AGs can defend fairness and justice. In Michigan, the AG’s office is especially important for protecting Black and Mexican-American residents from harmful policies. Democrats need to prioritize these races, elect strong AGs, and create a better future for everyone. By doing this, they can protect people now and set the stage for future victories.