Overview

The Attorney General is the principal legal officer of the state and prosecutes and defends all actions in which the state is interested. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 14.28. The Attorney General is responsible for investigating and prosecuting violations of election law referred to the office by the Secretary of State. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.31(1)(h). The Attorney General also issues opinions when state election law is unclear or in conflict with another statute. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 14.32; “Structure of Elections” at 4*.*

The Attorney General is elected for a four-year term and is term-limited to two terms. MCLS Const. Art. V, §§ 21, 30; Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.76. The current Attorney General is Dana Nessel, a Democrat, who took office on January 1, 2019. The next election for Attorney General in Michigan will be held in 2026.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the Attorney General are:

Receiving notice of violations of election laws and regulations from the Secretary of State to prosecute. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.31(1)(h).
Issuing opinions when state election law is unclear or in conflict with other state law. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 14.32; “Structure of Elections” at 4*.*

Selection and Vacancy Information

Elected: The Attorney General is elected at the general election in alternate even-numbers years. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 21; Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.76.
Tie-breaking:** In the case of a tie, the Board of County Canvassers in the county in which the election was held determines a winner by lot. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.851.
Term of Office: The Attorney General holds office for a term of four years and is limited to two terms in office. MCLS Const. Art. V, §§ 21, 30; Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.76.
Next Election: The next general election for Attorney General in Michigan will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Qualifications: To be eligible for the office of Attorney General, a person must be a registered voter of the state by the date the person is nominated for the office. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.71.
Vacancy: **Vacancies in the office of Attorney General are filled by appointment of the Governor. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 21; Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.84.