In the upcoming North Carolina attorney general election, Democratic U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson and Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, both outgoing members of Congress representing the Charlotte area, are vying for the position. This election follows the tenure of two-term Attorney General Josh Stein, who is the Democratic nominee for governor. Democrats have historically dominated the position, with the last Republican elected as attorney general in 1896. The focus of the campaign has been on who can best represent the state in court and ensure community safety, with both candidates emphasizing their legal backgrounds and fundraising capabilities.
The two candidates and their supporting PACs are set to spend at least $31 million combined on advertising during the general election campaign. The closely watched North Carolina attorney general race is one of 10 similar elections taking place across the U.S. next month. The attorney general plays a crucial role in representing the state in court, defending district attorneys’ work in criminal case appeals, and making legislative recommendations to the General Assembly. Additionally, AGs have historically sued industries for damages, including tobacco, drug, and social media companies.
Both Jeff Jackson and Dan Bishop have emphasized their legal experience and commitment to public service in their campaigns. Jackson, an Afghan war veteran and National Guard attorney, highlights his nonpartisan approach to serving as a prosecutor and vows to protect the people of North Carolina. Bishop, a commercial litigation attorney and former state legislator, aligns himself with former President Donald Trump and emphasizes his extensive experience in state and federal courts. The candidates have differing views on law enforcement, crime prevention, and judicial processes.
The attorney general position is seen as a stepping stone for gubernatorial bids, as outgoing Governor Roy Cooper previously held the role for 16 years. Recent attorney generals in North Carolina, including Cooper and Stein, have refrained from defending state laws they deemed unconstitutional. Jackson and Bishop have clashed on issues such as abortion rights, law enforcement policies, and endorsing other political figures. Bishop’s endorsement of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has come under scrutiny after allegations of Robinson’s explicit online posts, prompting questions about Bishop’s judgment.
The campaign has also seen legal disputes, with Bishop filing a defamation lawsuit against Jackson’s campaign and accusing them of spreading false information. Jackson’s campaign has dismissed the allegations as baseless. Both candidates are focusing on their respective visions for the state, including addressing the fentanyl overdose epidemic, combatting scammers using artificial intelligence, and restoring law and order. With the election nearing, voters will have to weigh the candidates’ backgrounds, policies, and responses to pressing issues facing North Carolina. The outcome of this election will determine who will lead the state’s legal efforts and policies for the coming years.
