Oregon AG Won’t Seek Reelection, Wallowa County Attorney Enters Race
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SALEM — Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum plans to step down at the end of her term, opening the door for a new top law enforcement official in the state.
Rosenblum made the announcement on Tuesday, September 19. She has held the position since 2012 and won re-election in 2016 and 2020.
Unlike other statewide offices, there are no term limits for Attorney General in Oregon. While the office doesn’t have term limits, Rosenblum, 72, said in her announcement that she was imposing one on herself:
“Every state agency, no matter how well run, can benefit from new leadership, new energy, and new initiatives,” Rosenblum said in a statement. “By making this announcement more than a full year before the next general election — and eight months before the primary — I expect there will be good candidates to succeed me as the People’s Attorney for Oregon.”
According to the Secretary of State’s website, one Republican, Wallowa County attorney Will Lathrop, has filed to run for attorney general. On his website, Lathrop, who lives in Joseph, says he previously served as deputy district attorney in Marion and Yamhill counties and worked with International Justice Mission, a global human rights organization in Africa, prosecuting child traffickers and rescuing child slaves.
No Democrats have yet entered the race.
With Rosenblum stepping aside, Oregon is set to elect new leaders to three key statewide positions next year: attorney general, secretary of state and state treasurer.
