Former Federal Prosecutor Kat Copeland Announces Candidacy for Pennsylvania Attorney General in 2024
Kat Copeland, a Republican and former federal prosecutor, is running for the position of attorney general in Pennsylvania, aiming to become the state’s top law enforcement official.
Former federal prosecutor Katayoun “Kat” Copeland has recently declared her intention to run for attorney general of Pennsylvania in 2024. Copeland, a Republican, left her position in the U.S. attorney’s office in Philadelphia to pursue her candidacy for this crucial role. As the state’s top law enforcement official, the attorney general oversees a significant budget and plays a vital role in combating drug trafficking, gun violence, defending state laws, and protecting consumers. Copeland’s decision to run comes after her extensive experience as a prosecutor in Delaware County and the U.S. attorney’s office, making her a formidable candidate for the position.
A Background in Prosecution and Public Service
Kat Copeland’s career in law enforcement spans three decades, with experience as a prosecutor in Delaware County and the U.S. attorney’s office. Her tenure as a prosecutor in Delaware County included a two-year appointment as the court-appointed district attorney. In 2019, she ran for a full four-year term but lost to Democrat Jack Stollsteimer. Copeland’s work in the U.S. attorney’s office in Philadelphia saw her rise to the position of chief of the criminal division, where she also served in the national security and cybercrimes unit. Her diverse experience positions her well to handle the responsibilities of the attorney general’s office.
The Role of the Attorney General in Pennsylvania
The attorney general’s office in Pennsylvania holds significant responsibilities and powers. With an annual budget of approximately $140 million, the attorney general is responsible for arresting drug traffickers, combatting gun trafficking, defending state laws in court, and safeguarding consumers from predatory practices. The office also played a crucial role in defending the integrity of the 2020 presidential election in Pennsylvania, vigorously opposing attempts to overturn the results. As a candidate for attorney general, Copeland aims to bring her expertise and dedication to upholding the law to this influential position.
Competitors for the Republican Nomination
Copeland faces competition within her own party for the Republican nomination. Dave Sunday, the district attorney of York County, has already announced his candidacy and received the endorsement of the Republican Attorneys General Association. Additionally, Craig Williams, a state House member from Delaware County, has expressed his intention to run. The Republican primary will determine who will represent the party in the general election.
Democratic Candidates in the Race
On the Democratic side, four candidates have already announced their intentions to run for attorney general. State Representative Jared Solomon from Philadelphia, former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, former federal prosecutor Joe Kahn, and Keir Bradford-Grey, the former head of Philadelphia’s and Montgomery County’s public defense lawyers, are all vying for the nomination. The primary election, scheduled for April 23, 2024, will determine the Democratic candidate for attorney general.
Upcoming Deadlines and Current Attorney General
Candidates for attorney general in Pennsylvania must file their paperwork by February 13, 2024, to appear on the primary ballot. The current attorney general, Michelle Henry, was appointed to serve the remainder of Josh Shapiro’s term when he became governor. However, Henry has stated that she does not plan to run for a full term, leaving the position open for new contenders.
Conclusion:
Former federal prosecutor Kat Copeland’s announcement to run for attorney general of Pennsylvania in 2024 brings a competitive edge to the race. With her extensive experience in prosecution and public service, Copeland is a strong candidate to take on the responsibilities of the state’s top law enforcement official. As the primary election approaches, the competition within both the Republican and Democratic parties will determine who will ultimately represent their respective parties in the general election. The outcome of this race will shape the future of law enforcement, consumer protection, and the defense of state laws in Pennsylvania.