HARRISBURG, Pa. — Voters will choose Pennsylvania’s next attorney general this year.
The office is responsible for Pennsylvania’s biggest criminal investigations; tasked with protecting public interest, handling civil matters pertaining to the Constitution and preventing crime through outreach programs.
"A lot of people think of it as kind of a super-DA, but it isn't really just that, it's a lot more," said John E. Jones, a former federal judge and president of Dickinson College.
Current Attorney General Michelle Henry plans to step down at the end of her term, deciding not to seek re-election.
In the past, the position has been a launchpad for political careers. Governor Josh Shapiro was elected Pennsylvania Attorney General before his time in the Governor’s mansion.
The seven candidates for attorney general may have their sights set on a similar path, but they’ll have to emerge from a dense primary field for a chance at the seat.
Some are spending big to do it.
On the Democratic side, State Representative Jared Soloman has more campaign funds than any other candidate. The former attorney and Army reserve officer has more than a million in liquid campaign funds.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer has raised nearly a quarter million dollars, with more than a half million in funding available to him.
Attorney Joe Khan, who has previous work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office is a close third in available funds with more than $340,000.
Eugene DePasquale served as Pennsylvania Auditor General for eight years. He’s raised $69,000 according to the most recent report and has around $138,000 on hand.
Keir Bradford-Grey is a chief defender for Montgomery County. She’s working with $114,000 in available funds according to campaign finance reports in March.
"You're going to see more spending necessarily ramping up to the primary on [the Democratic] side," Jones said. "These tend to be kind of low turnout primaries, so it's a question of spending not only to get name recognition, but also to get out the vote."
On the Republican side, York County District Attorney Dave Sunday is hoping to make the jump to the statewide level, raising more than $160,000 for his campaign.
Meanwhile, Republican State Representative Craig Williams is vying for the office after 28 years in the Marine Corps. He’s raised more than $110,000.
The candidates are making their final pushes, with weeks to go before the April 23 primary.
