The fourth of six reports from the HB Strategies 50 State Team is out today analyzing state attorneys general races in Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, and New Mexico. The series, AG Power Play: The Contenders, forecasts the political future of the 30 office holders in the 2025-2026 election cycle.
HB Strategies CEO Andy Blunt noted, “The constitutional tug-of-war between the Executive and Judicial branches has reshaped the political and litigious narrative surrounding the initial actions of the Trump Administration. Now more than ever, State Attorneys General possess unprecedented power to transform both state and national policy landscapes.”
Each report includes five contenders and examines the past and present political dynamics of each race; identifies whether the incumbent will run, is term-limited, or eying the Governor’s mansion; and the latest information on any challengers.
Andy summarized the five races included in today’s report, “These five races showcase how term limits and open seats create ripple effects across electoral arenas. Michigan will feature a rare political reshuffling as AG Dana Nessel (D) reaches her term limit and eyes the open Senate race, creating an unprecedented scenario where every state office will be open simultaneously. While Minnesota AG Keith Ellison (D) is likely to run for re-election, national and state political forces could reshuffle the state’s entire political landscape. Nebraska offers a stark contrast with AG Mike Hilgers (R), who has a likely uncontested re-election in the Republican stronghold. Nevada demonstrates the competitive nature of purple-state politics as term-limited AG Aaron Ford (D) launches a gubernatorial challenge against incumbent Joe Lombardo (R), leaving an open AG seat where razor-thin margins have decided the last nine statewide races. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s AG Raul Torrez (D) is focused on re-election despite an open governor’s race.”
