Georgia attorney general candidates outline priorities ahead of election

A lesser known election that impacts Georgians is the race for the state attorney general. 

The attorney general serves as the state’s top legal officer and is responsible for prosecuting certain crimes, defending state laws, protecting consumers and advising government agencies.

Candidates for attorney general have prioritized different issues this election cycle from public safety and consumer protections to civil rights.

Election Day for the primaries is approaching on May 19, and early voting will end this Friday.

Here are the Democratic candidates.

Tanya Miller

Miller, a former prosecutor, is emphasizing that the attorney general should work as the legal advocate for Georgians, and she says she will focus on issues such as illegal gun activity, gang violence, crimes against children and training for local law enforcement.

Miller serves as the state representative for House District 62 and chair of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus.

Allan “Bob” Trammell

Trammell, a former state legislator and court attorney, has focused his campaign around protection for communities, the economy and the environment, the finances and civil rights of Georgia residents and online users.

Trammel served three terms in the Georgia House of Representatives and did a stint as the House Minority Leader.

Here are the Republican candidates.

Bill Cowsert

State Sen. Cowsert, R-Athens, has strongly emphasized crime enforcement and changes to the way prosecutions are addressed in the state.

He has proposed the Safe Streets Strike Force, which will consist of aggressive, anti-crime prosecutors that will step in to prosecute people if local prosecutors refuse.

Brian Strickland

State Sen. Strickland, R-McDonough, has focused his campaign around crime and public safety as well as defending Georgia’s election and gun laws.

Strickland serves as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is a practicing attorney.