Mark Totten, a Democrat and former federal prosecutor, has officially announced his run for Michigan’s attorney general in 2026. He’s the first major candidate to enter the race, as current AG Dana Nessel will leave office due to term limits. Totten, who served as U.S. Attorney for Michigan’s Western District, is focusing his campaign on justice, fairness, and upholding the rule of law, as per The Detroit News.
With a background that spans legal education and government service, Totten aims to address pressing issues such as violent crime, online child predator threats, fraud against seniors, and the overarching defense of civil rights and democracy. His announcement was accompanied by early endorsements from notable Democrats, positioning him as a candidate prepared "to take on anyone" threatening the state's integrity. Totten's prior electoral experience includes a 2014 bid for the same office, where he fell short to then-incumbent Republican Bill Schuette, as reported by CBS News Detroit.
According to The Detroit News, Totten emphasized his determination for advocacy, stating, "We have a lot on the line, and no one will fight harder for you than I will." His campaign reflects an emphasis on a comprehensive approach to legal challenges, leveraging his experience overseeing federal prosecution of criminal organizations, public corruption, and civil rights cases during his time in the Western District of Michigan.
Totten's professional history also includes serving as chief legal counsel for Governor Gretchen Whitmer and teaching criminal law at Michigan State University. His academic achievements include a B.A. from Cedarville College and a law degree paired with a Ph.D. in ethics from Yale University. The former U.S. attorney kicked off his candidacy by spotlighting his record, which encompasses efforts to curb gun violence and political corruption, signifying a commitment to maintain a high ethical standard in the state's top legal office. This mission is encapsulated in Totten's declaration referenced by Detroit Free Press, "Michigan needs a fearless attorney general who will fight for justice, fairness, and the rule of law, and that’s exactly what I will do."
The race for Michigan’s attorney general is expected to get more competitive as the election gets closer, with other Democrats possibly joining. But with his early announcement and endorsements, Mark Totten has taken the lead and set the tone for the campaign.
