Oakland Co. Prosecutor Announces Run For State AG

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald announced Tuesday that she will run for Michigan attorney general in 2026.

"Right now, our state is facing major threats on everything from public safety to the rule of law," McDonald said. "From gun violence and human trafficking, to threats to our fundamental freedoms and federal overreach — the stakes have never been higher. Michigan needs an Attorney General ready to take on these tough fights, protect our freedoms, uphold the law and keep our communities safe. It’s what I’ve done my whole life, as a prosecutor, as a judge, and a teacher and a mom, and it's what I'll do as Attorney General."

McDonald gained widespread attention after prosecuting the parents of the Oxford High School shooter. Both were convicted of four counts of involuntary manslaughter, and they were the first parents convicted in a mass school shooting.

McDonald, who is a former teacher and judge, said in a campaign video that Michigan needs a fighter.

"When a mass shooting devastated our community, I tried the case myself, secured a landmark victory and advanced the movement for gun violence prevention," McDonald said in the video. "Because I told the victims' parents I'd fight for them as if they were my own. That's how I'll serve as your attorney general."

McDonald started her career as a high school English teacher in Midland, where she was part of the teacher's union, before moving into law. She served as an Oakland County Circuit judge from 2012 through 2019. In 2020, she was elected Oakland County Prosecutor.

McDonald joins a race that includes Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit and former U.S. Attorney Mark Totten, who are all running for the Democratic nomination. Defense attorney Kevin Kijewski is the only Republican who has announced for the office so far.