They Believe 2020 Was Stolen. They Could Be in Charge of Elections in 2028
Several Republican candidates for attorney general in US states, including key battlegrounds, have repeated baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen. The offices they are seeking can influence election disputes and challenge state or federal actions, potentially giving their holders an important role in the 2028 presidential election.
The article reviews candidates in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Kansas. Arizona’s Warren Petersen backed alternate electoral votes and a costly Maricopa County audit that confirmed Joe Biden’s win, and has suggested expanding the state’s Election Integrity Unit; polls put him level with Democrat Kris Mayes. Georgia nominee Brian Strickland called an FBI seizure of 2020 ballots a transparency measure, and is tied in a poll with Tanya Miller.
In short
- Republican attorney general candidates have promoted false claims about the 2020 election.
- Their offices may shape election disputes and safeguards.
- Two battleground-state races are polling neck and neck.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Voters may reasonably favour candidates who share their concerns about election administration and want state attorneys general to investigate alleged irregularities, improve transparency and challenge government actions they consider unlawful. The office’s legal authority can provide a check on election officials and help ensure that disputes are handled through state law and accountable processes.
The case against
Voters may reasonably worry that electing candidates who have repeated claims of a stolen 2020 election could weaken confidence in elections and turn the attorney general’s legal powers into tools for relitigating settled results. Because these offices can shape election disputes and challenge government actions, they may prefer candidates who accept the verified outcome and focus on enforcing election law impartially.